New San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Jaylon Moore spoke with reporters after being drafted in the fifth round. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
I noticed in your bio that you came into college as a tight end and you played some defensive end before moving to left tackle. How much has that different positional versatility helped you as a tackle? Do you feel that you fit with the 49ers kind of athletic tackle scheme because of that?
"I would say of course. Playing those different positions definitely got my quickness and agility to where it is. I definitely feel like I fit in with the 49ers perfectly."
What was the process like for you as far as the interaction you had with the 49ers, specifically when you've met with them or zoomed with them? Did you get a good sense of how exactly you could fit into this scheme?
"I've had only a few conversations with them, but with them being a zone scheme, I feel like I fit in very well coming from Western Michigan."
One way to look at it, that wasn't the easiest way to start your college career. Maybe you're a tight end or you're a defensive end. Now you're an offensive tackle. Were you able to roll with that and if so, was that because there was a recognition that maybe that was your best path to the NFL?
"I just embraced whatever the coaches needed and they felt like that was the best position for me at the time. I just took it and ran with it."
The 49ers have taken a lot of guys who have extreme physicality to their presence on the field. Would you say that's one of your qualities and what other skill sets do you bring to the table?
"Yes, I think so. I'm also quick and explosive. I feel like that makes me a great fit."
The 49ers have had some really good tackles here through the years. Former 49ers OL Joe Staley. Currently OL Trent Williams and OL Mike McGlinchey. Are you familiar at all with their games and do you study NFL offensive linemen, especially in the same scheme that you run, to kind of pick up stuff?
"Yes, I'm familiar with them. I definitely watch a ton of offensive lineman and offensive tackles, especially in zone schemes."
What's been the most exciting part of this whole process for you?
"I would say being able to share it with my loved ones. It's definitely a first for all of us."
Obviously the 49ers took QB Trey Lance with the number three overall pick. Has that part of it sunk in? Like, 'Hey, here the 49ers are, they've made an investment in a quarterback. I could be one of the guys, over the course of my contract here, who really determines the success level of Trey.' And also, it's going to be one of your main responsibilities to protect him for the next four years at least.
"I actually haven't thought about that yet, but that's a great way to think about it. I'm excited."
How was your experience at the Senior Bowl and did that give you confidence to play at a higher level?
"I would say it did. I didn't get to play against that competition week in and week out, but going up there and being able to compete, definitely proved to myself that I deserve to be here."