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Saints head coach Sean Payton discussed the selections of USC T Charles Brown and University of Miami (Fla.) Jimmy Graham at the end of day two of the NFL Draft. Below is a transcript of his press conference:


Opening Statement: “Wrapping up today with the selection of Jimmy Graham, there was a guy that when you payed attention to the limited tape and yet the workouts, the character…People use the term upside. I like all the measurables we saw with him. I think he understands and will continue to get better. That’s one of the things you saw this year with him playing. He has more of a basketball background. We’re excited about the selection. He’s a guy that when you start the process, there are a few guys you are very attached to. It happens every year during the draft. He was one of those guys for us collectively. The challenge with a player like that is you just don’t know how others are going to see him as well, so as you try to visualize where a player like that gets selected. It’s hard to predict. What’s most important is you just have to like him and you have to have a vision for the player. We had a good visit with him when he was here, had a real good visit tonight. That finishes where we are at today with some more work tomorrow.”

Can you discuss why you like him?


“Honestly in the process, I was probably the one who was skeptical in the beginning in regards to the idea, the area scout that had him, the cross check, Rick Reiprish, the director (of college scouting), the position coach and I think as the process evolved, you kept looking for a reason. You’re waiting to hear that we have to develop his hands or that he’s going to struggle learning at first. Certainly there’s going to be a period of growth for the player. I think that was one specific player that everyone felt pretty good about. We understand that this is a three day period when everybody says they got their guy. How many times do you hear that, but we’re excited about what we think he can do, not just three years from now, but what we think he can do now when you watch him.”

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Coach Payton On Day Two Of The Draft