Just minutes after completing their first major event as coworkers, Washington Redskins coach Ron Rivera, and Kyle Smith, the VP of Player Personnel, hopped on a video call with local reporters in Washington to discuss how the 2020 NFL Draft went, in their eyes.
While the conversation obviously touched on the trade that sent former Redskins LT Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers, both Rivera and Smith were quick to get back to the topic they are most proud of, — the 2020 draft class, and the players that they were able to take away from it.
Here are some of the best quotes from the conference.
Kyle Smith on trading Trent Williams: "I think were all relieved that it's over…We did the best that we could."
Adds that Redskins wish him the best— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
One of the things Ron Rivera said about a winning culture is building it with players that want to be here. Says this situation gives everyone a chance to start clean. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith says the team did a lot of work on Saahdiq Charles and what happened off the field. Said the team dived into his tape, and they see him as a high-talent player. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith on Saahdig Charles: Tremendous talent, tremendous upside.
Smith says Redskins did extensive research on his suspensions and why he dropped in draft.— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith that Malcolm Blacken, who oversees player development alongside Doug Williams, just had an hour-long meeting with Saahdiq Charles, and he was satisfied with what he came away with. In addition to the other people who did research on him. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Ron Rivera about to break the internet when these Skins Hawaiian shirts go on sale pic.twitter.com/egLfIUUU6X
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
Ron Rivera says that Antonio Gandy-Golden can be helpful in the red zone, on third and short. The team likes his blocking and special teams ability. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith confirms Redskins signed Thaddeus Moss. Smith said Redskins followed their draft board and "you dont want to force things." Added that the team feels good about Logan Thomas at tight end
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
Ron Rivera talks about guys that can play multiple positions being a priority. He's said this over and over since he came to Washington. And done it in free agency and the draft.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith on not forcing picks: "We let the board speak; you don't want to force things. That's when you ride guys up the board and make mistakes. When you add a tight end or any position it's based off that board."
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 26, 2020
Ron Rivera said that Ed Orgeron was one of Saahdiq Charles biggest advocates, and Rivera explained that Charles was very contrite after his mistake and a part of his returning to the team required him to stay on the straight and narrow the rest of the way. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith says that Thaddeus Moss had good hands, very productive last season at LSU and the team liked his blocking, too. A lot of upside #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Redskins VP of Personnel Kyle Smith on bringing in Thaddeus Moss as free agent: "It was really a no brainer to sign him."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith just shouted out the Redskins IT guys – well earned
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
Ron Rivera said that overall, he thought this was a really cool process. Only "frustration" was technology, at points, and not being able to meet with and get to know people in person, but that aside this was a unique process. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith on the process with coach Ron Rivera: "It was easy, it was smooth. We were on the same page. I've been very happy with how easily we meshed. That's what made the process very smooth."
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 26, 2020
Ron Rivera on Kyle Smith: "I just want to say I really think Kyle did a great job."
If somebody was trying out for the GM role, sounds like he did well
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2020
"I can't wait to stop talking about it. I can't wait to stop hearing about it." – Kyle Smith is OVER the Trent Williams saga
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith, said that the tape tells you that Williams is a first-round value, but what devalued him was what happened the last two years. Said he personally can't wait to stop talking about it and move on #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 26, 2020
Kyle Smith is 35 years old. Ron Rivera is 58. That's a 23-year age difference, but the two constantly talk about how they're on the exact same page and always seem like it, too, when they address the media. Their connection appears so strong already
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) April 26, 2020
