San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters on Monday during his annual pre-draft media session. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Opening statement:
"Good morning, good afternoon. I guess we're right at that time, either works. I tell you that we're incredibly excited as an organization about the opportunity to improve our team in this draft. We'll be doing so with a really heavy heart. We lost a member of our family this weekend in Reggie Cobb. It's tough. What I'm finding is, not only did Reggie have an impact on this building, the outpouring from the league has just been unbelievable. The scouts, the coaches, GMs. He touched the NFL community and I think far beyond that. We're finding out more and more each minute with the correspondence we're having with people. I think a lot of people who just really cared about him and that's because he had a special way of making people feel really good about themselves. I think we'll always remember the infectious smile, the laugh and just the person that Reggie was. He was a teammate of mine in 1993, a real special person and did a lot for this organization. We're going to try to honor him. I know we're keeping his seat empty this whole weekend. I just talked with his son. I think he's going to be a part of a really cool way to try to honor Reggie Cobb. Having said that, we've got a job to do and I know you guys have a job to do. So, I'll open it up for questions with respect to the draft."
Along those lines, have you been able to, as best you can, try to move forward without Reggie here?
"It's really fresh, [NBC Sports Bay Area reporter] Matt [Maiocco]. It is really fresh for us all. Today, we grabbed all the scouts and sat in this room. Obviously, a lot of them had gone home for the Easter weekend. We allowed them to go home and then come back. This happened while they were gone. So, it was fresh and new and it hurt. We went around today and everybody just kind of told their favorite Reggie Cobb story. I think it was cathartic. But, it is still very fresh. Those aren't just words that we'll move forward with a heavy heart. Reggie's imprint will be on this draft. He worked incredibly hard, as he always did in the preparation for it. I'd love nothing more than to be able to take a player that he scouted hard. We have enough cross checks and all that that he'll have his imprint on this draft in some form or fashion. Certainly, by the way, he just had a spirit about him that was something special."
How would you gauge the interest in quarterbacks in this draft and how that might obviously factor into what you guys might want to do at number two if somebody wanted to move up for one?
"We've been hearing a lot about it. It's interesting when you're in position that you really aren't looking at that position. We haven't spent a ton of time on that position. But, we've been hearing a lot about what people think about it. We obviously have them evaluated. Although we don't focus a lot of our time, we have studied the group. There seems to be one guy who's getting a lot of buzz. I know about as much as you guys do in terms of what's going to happen. I can tell you though that we will be prepared. I don't like picking at number two, but I like picking at number two, if that makes any sense. I hope we're never here again because it means we didn't play well enough, not nearly well enough. But, it is a great opportunity. Whatever happens at one, we have a group of players that we've vetted thoroughly. We'll be prepared and I think we'll get a really good, difference-making player."
Do you get a sense at this point that if that first pick falls a certain way, whether there will be action during that 10-minute span of giving you guys the opportunity to move back?
"Yeah. I think by nature of having the number two pick and the type of player. Then, this year's draft, there's some really good players up there. I would imagine there'll be some interest. We'll certainly listen, but we'll also be prepared to pull the trigger because I think we've got some high grades on a number of players that we really feel could help our franchise get where we want to get in the immediate future and further on into the future."
With the talent that's available up there and the number of teams that might want to communicate in that 10-minute span, how do you plan out the work flow? Let's say there's a scenario where there's so much interest that there's three or four suitors. How do you plan out that time for that 10 minutes to field all of those reports?
"My experience is, I think there's due diligence that goes on prior to the draft where you start to have conversations, 'Hey in the event that if this happens.' Some of that has started. I think one thing that I've learned in my short time here, we're well equipped. We've got a number of people in here who are equipped to handle that. I think it's something that we're prepared for. We can move quickly. Like I said, we'll listen, but we'll also be prepared if we like someone there enough that if we don't get something incredibly special, we'll just sit there right there and take a player we think can really impact us in a positive way."
How many top echelon talents do you think there are in this draft?
"When you say top echelon, I think there's some that have separated themselves from the pack. The way we're seeing it might be different than somebody else is seeing it that may have a quarterback in mind. I think there's a group of players that have separated themselves in our mind and those are the type of players we're looking there. We're also prepared that if something came to us that was too good to be true, players that we've graded the entire draft, but players that we would be comfortable taking in the middle of the round, at 10 or wherever. We've done our due diligence there, as well."
How many players have separated themselves?
"That's a good question, one that we'll keep in-house. I think there are a group of them that we feel very good about in terms of being impact players in this league."
You only have six draft picks this year. Is that enough to fill your needs or ideally would you like to pick up one or two more?
"We're used to having more. It's uncomfortable just by virtue of that, what we're accustomed to. I think one thing, as I look at it, the fifth rounder that we don't have, that's [OL] Laken Tomlinson. I think Laken Tomlinson would be a really good fifth-round pick and we're thrilled with what he has become. So, you kind of have to look at it like that. Draft choices are valuable. A lot happens as the draft's moving. It's fluid. If we don't have more than that, we've just got to make them all count. In any event, we have to make them all count, but there certainly would be a scenario where we try to add to it."
I don't know if I'm asking you to put up a smoke screen or take away a smoke screen, but you still have a need probably in adding another pass rusher. Pass rushing is always great to have. Ohio State DL Nick Bosa could be there at two. Is there a way he's not a slam dunk candidate for you, if he's there at two?
"I think the one thing that is attractive to us, we got here a couple of years ago and the roster was what it was. But, I think a chance to be special, to have a group that has an opportunity, and that's all you know going in, an opportunity to be dominant at something. Instead of, 'We're pretty good here,' an opportunity to be dominant. I think we're getting close to having that opportunity. Whether that happens, that's up to the guys. We've got to go make that happen. But, we feel really good about what [DL] Dee Ford has added to us. We do feel that if we can add more pieces, we're going to have that chance. I think we might need it. When you look at our division, when you look at [Seattle Seahawks QB] Russell [Wilson], he's going to be a part of Seattle long-term, and some other things that could happen, you better be able to rush the passer. So, that's something that we're mindful of, that we're excited about the prospect of. Specific to Nick Bosa, Nick's a heck of a player. He's one we really enjoyed studying throughout this process. The same goes for [Alabama DL] Quinnen Williams and [Kentucky DL] Josh Allen and [Mississippi State DL] Montez Sweat. I could go on and on. It's a very deep class at defensive line and that's exciting, not only for us but for I think a lot of the league because that's something you just have to have in this league, the ability to get after it and knock down the quarterback."
His social media has gotten a lot of scrutiny. Have you guys given it the same amount of scrutiny? What's your take on that, generally and specific to Bosa?
"I think just in general, I would tell you that we look at everything. I think we try to be as thorough in the process as we can. That is something we look at, but we also look at what kind of teammate is he. What do his teammates think about him? When I say him, I'm speaking of any prospect. In particular, when you're talking about guys who are going to go that high, you've vetted these guys in every way. You try to look at things like that. What kind of member of your organization would this guy be, in every respect? You look at it all and we've done that with all the prospects that we might be considering at that spot."
Is that something that you and vice president of player personnel Adam Peters would have done when you went to Columbus, is to talk to teammates about guys that perhaps you could take?
"Throughout the process. You do talk when you have your 60 interviews at the Combine. When you go to the Pro Day at Columbus, you talk to coaches, not only about that player, but about other players that they have. They've got a number of great players at Ohio State. So, in the process, we've had the opportunity to talk to a number of coaches that we know extremely well. So, for him and for any prospect, you do that."
With him specifically, what did it turn up? Would you foresee any issues?
"I think that he's a great teammate. I'm not going to get too far because a lot can happen at one. He could go one. I think getting specific in this meeting, to specific players. But, in general, we spend a lot of time vetting these guys and everything about them. You put something into all of it."
In regards to players with potential off-the-field stuff, in my mind there may be two guys that you've drafted who maybe had those question marks, Washington Redskins LB Reuben Foster and former RB Joe Williams. Neither one of those guys worked out. Are there lessons learned from those draft picks, or is it like, 'You have to take risks and those two guys just didn't happen to work out?'
"I think a combination of both. If you aren't always learning, shame on you, shame on us. I think with Reuben, I think we somewhat accounted for it by where we drafted him. I think we had him at a certain value. We didn't draft him there. That doesn't excuse us. It's a shame. We're very happy to have Kwon Alexander, but that came at a heavy price. We would've much preferred to have Reuben still playing here. So, of course you learn a lesson. If you don't, like I said, shame on you. You work hard to try to identify what is the lesson that you learned. We know in-house what those lessons are. As to Joe, I think that was a pick, it didn't work out. But, in every scenario, whether something worked or didn't work, you take note. We try to do that in each individual case."
With Reuben specific, have you made any adjustments to the way you research players or, 'This red flag is going to cost more on our board than it did that time?'
"I think you're always doing that. There's certain tweaks we've made. Our 30 visits this year, we brought people more in a group setting. We want to see how they interact with other people. So, those are subtle things that we do. But, there's so much that just goes into the research of these players. You learn something every year. I think the most important thing, you impart upon your scouts, upon your staff is, 'We have to be as thorough as humanly possible.' Anything we can learn about these guys is valuable information. I'm real proud of the work we've done with our staff to get as much information to be equipped to make as good a decision as possible."
Did you bring in 14 receivers? Does that sound right?
"I don't know if that was the number. We had a 30 visit where we brought in a lot, but I don't know what the exact number is."
What does it say that you were looking at so many different wide receivers? What are you generally looking for?
"I think it says that there's a lot of depth at that position. There's a lot of guys who we like and there's different reasons we bring guys in. Just like any position, that may be a spot where we try to improve our team. Fortunately, in this year's draft, it seems to be a good stable of guys who can help."
Considering how many first-round picks you have on the interior of your defensive line, why is Quinnen Williams someone you would consider drafting with the second pick?
"Just because he's an excellent football player. The season he had may have been as god of a college football season that I've ever seen. He was just dominant. To think that that was his first year playing nose tackle. It's a great story. He went to [Alabama head coach] Nick Saban and basically says, 'I want to play nose for you.' He'd never played in there. Nick kind of goes on to tell him what he would have to do to make that happen. It was gaining a lot of weight, doing so in a good fashion and the kid did. What a season he had. He's a spectacular player. When you look at how your roster is currently comprised, when you have an opportunity to take a talent like that, you certainly look at every avenue to improve your team."
Can he play nose tackle in the NFL or is he more of a three-technique?
"He can play anything, that guy. He's special."
How many first-round grades did you end up giving out this year?
"You know, I did that last year. I'm not going to get into any specific numbers. I'll tell you that we have 184 draftable players on our board. That's actually a little less than last year. But, I think it's harder to make this team. We feel like we've gradually improved our roster. It's going to be tougher for draft picks to make our team. So, we wanted that reflected in the way we were grading draftable players. It's not by much, but we ended up with 184 draftable players. It's where we're at."
What was your reaction to find out that the Raiders sent home their scouting department last week? How much effort do you put into containing information and making sure things aren't getting out?
"I think at first, I think my dad said, 'Hey did you hear the Raiders sent their scouting staff home?' I said, 'So did we, it's Easter Weekend.' I think the second part was they aren't coming back. But, ours are coming back. I can only speak for us. I'm happy to have the guys around here. We rely on these guys a lot. I think you always have to be mindful of keeping information in-house. But, I really am a big believer you better have great faith in the people that are working for you and their ability to keep things in-house. If they can't that's a problem."
How many people within the organization might know what the plan is at two, or what the 1A, 1B, 1C plan might be at number two?
"We finished our meetings here not last week, but the week prior. They're involved in a lot of discussions. I think [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] and I are always mindful of never completely tipping our hand, more so just listening to information, asking questions. But, sometimes they pick up on guys that we're interested in, of course they do. You have to be able to trust the people that are working for you. I won't speak for another organization on what they're doing and why they're doing it."
Being that you guys are considering an interior pass rusher, what does that say about DL Solomon Thomas or DL Arik Armstead? You guys have been very patient with them over the last two seasons. Where would that put them if you guys do address it at two?
"We're excited about both those guys. We're not making a big change to our system, but we did go out and bring in [defensive line coach] Kris Kocurek to work along with [pass rush specialist] Chris Kiffin. One thing that Kyle really respected about Kris Kocurek, who is really regarded as one of the top D-Line coaches, is his style. That's just cutting it loose. We think that really lends to both Arik and Solomon in what they do and what they need to do to be successful. Like I said, we want to come at people in waves. Both of those guys, I think, are very good players that we're very excited about for this season, in this kind of new tweaked style that we're going to be implementing."
T Joe Staley is only under contract through the end of this year. Obviously, the offensive line has been pretty consistent throughout the last year and a half. Do you sense his future as uncertain? Do you take a look more at some tackles in the draft?
"I think you're always looking at the lines and trying to equip yourself for what's to come. But, I'll say this about Joe Staley, Joe has a unique opportunity. We all know what he's meant to this organization. He's got a unique opportunity to be a part of this organization and my hope is that he only plays for one organization. I think he's a special player. He's a special personality. I'm not going to get into the specifics of where we're going on all that, but I'll just tell you that my hope and Kyle's hope, everybody associated that is involved in this decision, is that Joe never plays any place else but the San Francisco 49ers. We're very pleased with Joe Staley and the way he's playing."
I know you said you don't want to talk about contract stuff, but with DL DeForest Buckner, you've had discussions with his agent. Can you say how those discussions have gone? He said it's very early in the process and I would assume you would agree with that.
"Yeah, it is extremely early in that process. I would like to say the same thing about DeForest. He's a little younger in his career, but I would love nothing more than for DeFo to be here. We've got a long time to work on that. He's very important to us. He's another guy who's a big part of what we're doing. Just love everything about him and the way he goes about his business, his profession. I think he's a special player and we'd like to keep him here for a long time."
With Quinnen Williams potentially also being a three-technique, how much do you have to factor in maybe Buckner's, those talks with his agents?
"Well, if he ended up here there's room for all those guys. We really feel like that. The one thing we've tried to do is take some versatile players that can have the flexibility to play inside, outside. And I think that gives you flexibility in who you bring in. Philosophically, like I said, coming in waves. We like having strength in numbers and strength in the quality of those numbers."
You mentioned Laken earlier. Where is he in his recovery from his knee?
"He's doing really well. I look out my window and get reports, but Laken is doing extremely well. It was unfortunate how the season ended up, but we felt like Laken played very well. We're very high on just I think he makes us feel very secure at that left guard spot. He's a really good player."
Where do things stand with K Robbie Gould?
"Robbie's not here for these voluntary workouts. I think there's a few things that make me feel really good. First of all, Robbie is extremely good at what he does and I think the last couple of years have been indicative of that. Robbie's a guy who works extremely hard at his craft. By virtue of that position, he can do that wherever he is. He can do it in Santa Clara, he can do it in Chicago, he can do it wherever he is and I'm sure Robbie's doing that. Robbie's going to be a part of us this coming year, I know that. We would like it to be longer than that. We've made an attempt to make that happen. We haven't come to an agreement as of yet and we'll see where that goes, but Robbie will be a part of us this coming year. We're excited for that because he's very good at what he does and he's also a big part of this team."
In you saying that, you would expect he would be here no later than training camp?
"I can't speak as to when he's going to be here, but when we kick it off he'll be here."
You guys showed some interest in New England Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski. What was the thinking there?
"Well, the thinking was we've got to do our due diligence in terms of being prepared for all scenarios. Stephen was a free agent and also very good. Our number one priority in that respect was to try to figure out something with Robbie. Stephen was there. I think our interest quickly got the Patriots to lock him down and that's where he's at so I'll leave that at that."
Are there any early returns with the new strength staff and the whole conditioning thing here?
"Early returns in that, you know, I think as we looked at that and put a lot of time and research into it, you want to give your players, your organization, every chance and put thought behind everything you do in the health and fitness area. It was something we really worked hard to try to do by virtue of the work that we put into it, by the people that we interviewed. We learned a lot through the whole interview process, and by the people we ultimately chose for those roles, we're very pleased with what's going on. The proof will be in the pudding, what happens when we hit the field. I can tell you that there's been a very positive response from the players because I think they feel that these guys have their best interest. They do a tremendous job of not just saying here's our workout for today, here's what we're trying to accomplish with our workout. Here's what we're seeing in this phase, here's what we're trying to prepare you for for the next phase. So, it's exactly what we wanted. How that works, we'll see. But, we're very proud of the work that they're doing. I think the players are very excited and that speaks most to me, that excitement that they seem to have for what's going on."
How difficult is it to scout free safeties for this scheme and how much does your experience playing safety in the NFL help?
"For this scheme in particular, I think they call it the eraser, a guy who is in the middle of the field who has a ton of range, who is a very good tackler, who can in essence pick up the trash when it gets past the first two waves, the D-Line and the linebackers. You have to be very sound in those areas. I think we have a very good idea of what it looks like. What was the second part of your question?"
How does your experience playing the position help you scout it now?
"I think it helps in many ways, but at other times when you've gone through it I think I have a real high standard for the way that position should be played. I'm always asking people here's what I'm thinking, but I want to know what you're thinking. But, I do understand that position and I think the safeties are somewhat interchangeable. We have our own version of that cover-three system. That's not all we do. We do play some split safety so I think that versatility is a little important. But, I do have a good understanding of what's asked of that position. I feel good, I think sometimes better from what I hear, of what everyone thinks about what we have there. That's not to say that we might not add to that, but I feel pretty good about the guys that we have there. We've got to get them back healthy and playing at a high level because it's a really important position in our scheme."
Has the value of that changed at all with the way these rules are where safeties can't be the intimidating hitters like you and others were back in the day?
"I'm not so sure that you can't be. You have to be very mindful as to how you are. I think of a guy like [former Seattle Seahawks S] Kam Chancellor, I think early in his career probably struggled, was fined quite a bit because he played a very physical style of football. He doesn't play the free, he played the strong safety, but Kam learned to lower his target and adjust to the rules and still played a very physical brand of football. So, I think it can be done. You just have to be mindful as to how you do it. That is a position often because a lot of hits happen in space that everyone can see. That is something you have to be mindful of though. I think if you were scouting John Lynch at Stanford right now you might have a little worry about how it might translate. I'd like to think that I would have adjusted my game to what was being asked of you."
With this being your third draft, can you talk a little bit about how your personal process has changed and is there anything you wish you knew then that you know now? Not about specific players, but generally about the draft process.
"I think it's always fluid and you're always learning. There's things about how much do I want to be out on the road, how much do I want to get out there, that you have a better feel for it. You have a better feel that things are good here so maybe I have a little more opportunity to get away from here because I'm very comfortable with our culture and who's in charge when I'm leaving and things of that nature. I think relationships develop. I had a lot of relationships in the NFL. I think the relationships with the college coaches, those continue to flourish as you're talking to these people and they learn to trust you and you learn to trust them. I think all of those things grow and hopefully will continue to grow the longer I do this."
You mentioned the depth of this receiving class. Is there a particular type or position that you're looking for? I don't expect you to give me all the answers.
"Wide receiver."
So, you're looking for a wide receiver then?
"Perhaps."
Do you use the trade chart as a basis?
"We do."
You might've had talks about the number two overall with another team perhaps. How much do you factor each specific case that maybe this number two is more valuable than a chart would suggest?
"I think the chart is always something that is consistent throughout the league, so it's a basis for starts of talks and those things. There's some teams, us included, who have their own version of the chart that we use internally. But, I think it does give you consistency with another team to at least know the ballpark that you should be. But, that always does change. Each situation is unique like that. You have a base to say here's what the chart says, now let's see if we can get a deal done."
You've got two threes and a four. When you moved one slot back two years ago, something like that, do you think you could get more, less this year?
"I think one thing I've learned is quarterbacks tend to make people do things like that more so than other positions. If the quarterback that everybody wants is there, we'll see."
What's realistic? With six draft picks as it stands right now, what do you expect to accomplish from this draft? Do you expect to get multiple starters, multiple rotation guys? What's your goal?
"I think the encouraging thing each time, this is the third time in the draft, but free agency early on it was we have a ton of needs. We've got to fill this, we've got to fill this, we've got to fill this. This year in free agency, for instance, we felt like we needed an edge pass rusher. We were able to accomplish that with [DL] Dee Ford. We felt like we needed a presence in the middle of the field at the stack linebacker spot and we were able to get Kwon Alexander. So, that certainly helps allowing us to come into this. That's not to say we're absent of need on this team. We still have some things where we feel like we can improve. Every time we come into this we feel a little better. So, I think just adding good football players who fit into our culture and fit into what we want to be as an organization. I think that's the most important thing that we can come out of this draft with."
Two weeks ago, you said that there hadn't been much conversation about trading out of your spot. As you've gotten closer to day one, has it naturally kind of ramped up?
"Yeah. Again, my experience it typically happens this week. Sometimes, my first year some things happened at the owner's meetings. This week, which is just this morning thus far, a couple calls but nothing of substance. I'd imagine if there is interest those things will heat up. As of right now, like I said, we'll listen. We also feel extremely comfortable that we could get some game-changing players there. That's a good feeling."
You mentioned at the Combine changing to a wide-nine under your new defensive line coach. With a new secondary coach, does the profile for what you might be looking at cornerback any different?
"I think the profile is consistent. I think [defensive backs/run game coordinator] Joe [Woods] and [safeties coach] Daniel [Bullocks] will have their own imprint on what we do. That profile is fairly consistent. We may have evolved as an organization with some of the trends that are going on in the league with that profile, but it's fairly similar to what we've been operating under."
You've mentioned feeling good about Solomon Thomas and Arik Armstead. I would assume you feel similarly to CB Tarvarius Moore and CB Ahkello Witherspoon, but just given that CB Richard Sherman is not going to be here forever, are you taking a close look at corner in this draft relative to how you feel about Moore and Witherspoon?
"That's another one of those positions where I think you have to consistently add those guys. We're throwing the ball, just at a rate this league, we're in nickel packages upward to 70-percent of the time. You've got to have those guys and you've got to have great depth at that position. I think you're always focused on trying to find good players. We took a chance on [CB] Jason Verrett because when healthy Jason Verrett was a top-level corner so we felt the risk-reward made sense in that instance. That's an example. When you have an opportunity to improve your team there you take advantage of that."
How difficult would it be for a young guy to come in and assuming DB Jimmie Ward is healthy at free safety and Verrett is healthy at cornerback, how difficult would it be for a young guy to come in and win a starting role ahead of those two guys?
"Difficult, but not impossible. I'll leave that to Kyle, but there's a few spots here where we know pretty certainly that this guy has this spot on lockdown. Otherwise we believe in competition and competition making everyone better. I would never rule that out."
Is Jimmie Ward sticking at free safety throughout the offseason program?
"He'll be playing free safety, yeah."
Did WR Marquise Goodwin check in on his Olympic plans for next year with you guys? Has he reported yet for offseason workouts or is he staying home?
"I just hope he gets plenty of practice. That endzone celebration he had with the long jump, hopefully he's practicing a lot for those Olympics. People made me aware of that. I have not talked to Marquise about that."
Is he here yet?
"He's here, yeah."
You've mentioned through your time some people think less about that position than we do. I'm just curious, how much do you read or follow social media or what people are saying about this team?
"[Vice president of communications] Bob Lange showed my [The Athletic reporter] Matt Barrows' talking points today so hopefully I'm following closely. I follow because it's a good way to, I follow because I'm not on it all the time. I can tell you earlier when I think I experienced the thing that everyone does with Twitter that it can be quite addicting. Then I had to ask myself, 'Do you think [former Baltimore Ravens general manager] Ozzie Newsome is going around scrolling through Twitter,' and the answer is probably no. I'm probably much less on it. I think at times it's really a good way to find figure out kind of what's going on out there real time. So, I do look at it. I think more so now I have people when it's something important tell me because much like I'm talking to my teenagers, you can waste a lot of time on that thing. I'm trying to watch more film than I am scrolling on Twitter these days. That's been an evolution for me, as with everybody."
Along those lines, for weeks and weeks and weeks Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray was definitely going number one and then just over the past couple of days, now maybe not so. How do you kind of sort that out?
"The one thing I know, we're not going to have to wait long, whatever that is 15 minutes. Then we'll know whether it's them or someone else picking him or someone else. Do I want to know? Sure, just like you do, just like everybody does. That's why there's been so many different stories. That's the hard thing with social media is people are talking about it all the time now. I think where things, conjecture used to start much later in the process, it starts fairly early. It's pretty brilliant what the league does because people talk about this all the time. I'd be lying if I didn't say I didn't think about it. I think what I know is that we're in a really good position and we're not, as I said, going to have to wait long. What happens there at one, will it have an effect on what we do at two, we'll see."
If the Cardinals do pass on Kyler Murray, would you expect a lot of phone calls?
"I thought you were going to say would you take him?"
Yeah.
"I would, I would. Wouldn't you? I think there seems to be a ton of interest. And I understand, we a couple of times just threw him on up here. It's electric stuff, it really is. Had some nightmares about, not me myself chasing him, but about us chasing him if it does fall that way. He's pretty special."
DeForest said that Dee Ford was not here because he's an expecting father. Did everybody else show up?
"Yeah, we've had pretty good attendance. I think [G] Mike Person, they had a baby last week. I guess I should let Mike announce that, sorry Mike, and Robbie."