BEN PATRICK INTERVIEW
March 2, 2007
By Chris Otwell, War Room Report


 

University of Delaware tight end Ben Patrick is one of the top prospects for the 2007 NFL Draft. Patrick was an 1-AA All American in 2006 at Delaware and is currently ranked 3rd on the War Room Report's Big Board. Patrick transferred to Delaware from Duke and had 64 catches for 639 yards and six touchdowns his senior season. One of the most complete tight ends in the 2007 Draft, Patrick recently discussed the draft process with the War Room Report's Chris Otwell.

Chris Otwell, War Room Report: How was the trip to Indianapolis for the scouting combine? What was the best part and what did you learn from the experience?

Ben Patrick: The best part of the combine was being part of something special and meeting the general managers and coaches of the NFL teams.

The combine is a four day long process and the days are really long and mentally draining. The days are designed that way to see how you respond to adverse situations.

Chris Otwell: What did you do to physically and mentally prepare yourself for the NFL Combine?
 

Ben Patrick: I have trained for 3 months at API in Carson, CA. I would recommend API to anyone training for athletic performance.

Mentally, the key is not to put too much pressure on yourself. You have been invited for a reason, so believe in yourself and your ability, then go out an perform how you know you can.

Chris Otwell: How do you feel you did at the combine and where do you think you stand come draft day?

Ben Patrick: The draft works really weird, so I try not to pay attention to websites and draft shows, because most of the time, predictions are inaccurate. You take everything that you read with a grain of salt and move forward.

I think I performed at the combine at a level that definitely helped my chances of being a high draft choice.

Chris Otwell: What sets you apart form other TE prospects?

Ben Patrick: That is a really tough questions because there are so many good TEs out there. I consider myself an every down TE that has leadership qualities on and off the field.
 

 
University of Delaware Tight End Ben Patrick should be a first day pick in the 2007 NFL Draft

Chris Otwell: What NFL teams interviewed you and how did it go?

Ben Patrick: I had unofficial visits that took place between 7:00-10:00 pm every night. I had official visits with the Saints, Bengals, Seahawks, and Falcons. The interviews were intimidating because you are sitting in a room with the head coach, GM, and other decision makers.
 

 "I will always bleed Duke blue, but the University of Delaware owns my soul"

- Ben Patrick

A lot of teams ask me why I transferred from Duke to Delaware. Transferring to Delaware definitely helped me in my quest to be drafted. I have no animosity towards Duke University. Duke helped me make me who I am today. I will always bleed Duke blue, but the University of Delaware owns my soul. Delaware is my home and nothing makes me prouder then to have been able to represent Delaware at all star games and the NFL Combine.