Exclusive Interview With Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal

As I’ve discussed before I’d like to think the Cowboys would take a receiver early in this year’s draft. There’s some solid talent in the first few rounds, and I think Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech is in this same group of potential picks the Cowboys may be looking at. Here’s my interview with Royal:

1. You had a solid workout at the NFL Combine and had a lot of kudos from the NFL Network crew, what did you do to prepare for the Combine?

I worked out in Pensacola Florida At API where I was able to work on my 40 start which really paid off because I had the fastest 10 yard out of the WR’s I was also able to maintain my strength, It was a good place to workout because there were not many distractions and I could focus completely on my training.

2. Do you feel like your stock rose after the combine?

I don’t know if my stock rose I would hope so, not only from the workout but also from the interviews. The combine was a great chance for the coaches to be able to see how much I really knew about coverages and just the game of football.

3. We know you interviewed with a lot of teams, where there any teams that appeared to be the most interested in you at the combine?

To be totally honest every team I met with seemed very interested, there were a lot of different teams that told me they wanted me to be “their guy” so there was really no one team that stood out because they all seemed very interested.

4. How do you think teams will utilize your skills coming into the league this year?

I feel they will get me the ball in space where I can make plays after the catch since that is one of my strengths. Reverses, deep balls maybe even a few throws here and there. Which ever team that drafts me should know that they are getting a play maker, a guy who looks to score every time he touches the ball and is going to be an excellent return man who will also be a very productive receiver.

5. Is there a receiver in the NFL, past or present that you think you compare to stylistically?

I would say I am a mix between Wes Welker and Steve Smith, these two guys both return kicks and are very good top notch wide receivers, Welker is a great return man who is good in the slot and knows how to find the soft spots in the zone, while Steve Smith is going to give you a deep threat and a guy that is big on getting yards after the catch. I have played the slot and also been the outside receiver at tech for 4 years so I feel and team will be getting a mix of those two players.

6. Have you been invited to visit the Cowboys at Valley Ranch yet?

I have not been invited yet but I look to be brought in fairly soon, I would love to come take a visit and get familiar with the area and the coaching staff.

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Sounds like a solid guy, and if he can come into the NFL and contribute like Smith and Welker have, someone is going to have a pretty good receiver and dangerous weapon.

Thanks to Eddie Royal for conducting this interview for our site.