DT Dalvin Tomlinson
August 1, 2017
Q: For a defensive lineman, was this the first day of training camp that you were really able to move people around a little bit?
A: Yeah. I would say it’s the first official day because the defensive line has to have pads on so you can do your job for the most part. You really don’t get that feeling without pads or in shells and things like that.
Q: This was the first day for you to show everyone why you were brought here. What was that like for you?
A: It was more exciting than anything. It was a little nerve-racking also because the first day of pads is just; it’s the first day of pads. Every year is going to be a little nerve-racking. I’m more excited than anything to get out there and just do what I do on the football field.
Q: How does it feel to be out there?
A: It felt amazing out there.
Q: How do you think you did today?
A: I think I did pretty good today. I think I had some good things, things I also need to work on. Just new playbook and new game plan. Just getting used to everything and adjustments out there.
Q: How do you view the defensive tackle spot and do you think you can grab it?
A: I feel like I can grab that spot because it’s one of those spots you have to be physical in there every single play and I’m that type of player to go in there and be physical. You have to be out here soaking into the team to play that position because – defensive tackle – you make a lot of plays, but also you have to open up a place for other people. So, you have to go in there and be aggressive and physical every single play.
Q: Do you have a better idea of how you would team up with DT Damon Harrison now that you’ve been around him a little bit more?
A: Yeah. I feel like he’s the best defensive tackle nose guard in the NFL. I have a lot to learn from him still. I go out there every day with him just keep learning the small things with him and he’s getting me better as a whole player. The more and more I play beside him, the more and more I get comfortable playing there.
Q: What could you and Harrison do when you play together?
A: I feel like we’d be a great defensive front with us two up there.
Q: Have you gotten a lot of reps with Harrison?
A: I’ve been mostly with the twos. I got some one reps also. I got some reps with them today. Just all around the board and just getting reps with everybody like Rob Thomas over there. I get a lot of reps with him also.
Q: What do you make of DT Robert Thomas and DT Jay Bromley?
A: Great defensive tackles also and I have a great defense. Playing beside them – the vets. They teach me a lot every single day, helping me critique myself and things I do and I’m playing beside them as well as Snacks (Damon Harrison) helping me become better as a whole defensive player all around.
Q: How is the dynamic between the defensive tackles?
A: It’s just we all go out there and play. The best player initially starts at the end of training camp. We all just go out there and try to get better each and every day. One percent better every day is what we try to work on.
Q: Is the term to be starting that important since the Giants will probably use a rotation once the 53-man roster is set?
A: I think just in football in general, no matter what level, everybody wants to start. Just being a football player and being so competitive, you want to start. I feel like we’re going to have a great rotation on the defensive front just like I did at Alabama. It’s going to be a great rotation. We have great defensive tackles and great defensive ends. It’s going to be a rotation all the way across the board.
Q: What do you think you need to do to win the starting job?
A: Just go out there and just make sure I can prove and show how aggressive I am getting off of blocks and just making plays in the defensive tackle position.
Q: Is it tough to have practices with no pads where you can’t show how aggressive you can be?
A: Yeah. It’s been pretty tough. Without pads you really can’t show it, like you said. Now we have pads on. I have to make sure I can execute my chances when I go out there.
Q: Is the next step next Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers?
A: I would say the next step is tomorrow. We have to take it one day at a time. When that games comes, I’ll be ready. Just one day at a time. You have to get better each and every day before. You can’t look too far ahead in the future.
Q: Have you made any changes to your body since the draft?
A: Pretty much I kept my body the same. Tried to lean out at a heavy weight and just stay lean and make sure I can run around like I always have at ‘Bama. Just stay healthy.
Q: What are you at weight wise?
A: Right now I’m around 310-311.
Q: With DE Olivier Vernon and DE Jason Pierre-Paul on the outside, is the role of the tackles on the defense to stop the run?
A: No. I don’t feel like it’s just stop the run anymore because they’re great pass rushers and just great defenders. The defensive ends throughout the year they’re going to have a lot of people trying to block them and they’re going to have more of an offensive emphasis work built towards them. It’s going to have to open up the defensive tackles to work and become more pass effective throughout the game.
Q: How much of an adjustment has it been coming from Alabama to the NFL?
A: It’s different, but there’s a lot of stuff that’s similar. Coach (Nick) Saban at ‘Bama ran a big program – a big college program and it’s probably one of the closest things to an NFL team. But, NFL is a whole different league up here and it’s more mental than anything.
Q: Is the temperature cooler here?
A: Yeah. It’s a lot cooler up here.
Q: Did you think it was hot today?
A: It felt good to me because I know those camp practices in Alabama can get to you.
