After he was selected in the third round (Pick 76) by the Houston Texans, guard Brandon Brooks from Miami (Ohio) spoke with the Houston media via a conference call.
Texans G Brandon Brooks Conference Call
(on his initial reaction to being drafted by the Houston Texans) "It's an indescribable feeling. I feel extremely blessed and I'm happy that Houston had the faith in me to draft me. I really appreciate it and I just want to thank the organization."
(on whether he was surprised and/or motivated by not being invited to the Combine) "I understood that I could be invited and I could not. I did use it as motivation to keep that chip on my shoulder, and that was kind of the big thing for me."
(on his versatility, having played both guard and tackle in college) "As far as the versatility, I'm one of those guys that before the season, the coaches asked me where do I feel comfortable, and like I said, I was one of those guys where it didn't really matter to me where I played; whatever best helps the team. It's the same thing going into Houston; I'm not looking for any position or anything like that. I understand I have to earn it and work hard to get it. I'm just versatile, and whatever they want me to play is definitely where I'll play at."
(on whether he's more comfortable playing at guard or tackle) "Since I've played so many – right guard, left guard, left tackle, a little center in the Spring – any position. I don't feel like I'm better at one or the other. Any position is good enough for me."
(on his familiarity with zone blocking) "I had three different offensive coordinators, so you name it, I ran it. I ran zone, inside, outside; I ran power, isos, draws, everything."
(on what he knows about the Texans offense) "Offensively, a strong running game (and) a strong passing game as well. I think they're a team on the rise, offensively."
(on on how he feels about playing in the zone blocking scheme) "I look forward to going down there and seeing what I can do. I think I can play in the zone scheme. Like I said, I've done it, and I'm just looking forward to getting down there and getting to work."
(on joining the Texans offensive line and blocking for Texans RBs Arian Foster and Ben Tate) "I feel like I can go in there and learn a lot of things from the veterans, and I know nothing is given to me. I look forward to learning so much more at the NFL level from the veterans and the coaching staff."
(on whether he's stronger as a run blocker or as a pass blocker at this stage) "I'd say right now my run blocking is more of a strength."
