 Mike, no surprise that you all used most players in any season last year. The NFL owners made the change limiting the return from IR to eight, instead of unlimited as you had last year. Does that maybe put, and they expanded the number of games before you return, from three to four. How much tougher does that maybe once you get into the season decisions when it comes to health and you always put a priority on staying healthy. But with the tightened rules on IR return, does that make it even more important to be as healthy as possible this year? Well, they're not our rules, they're just the NFL rules. And we try to follow them the best that we can, we'll see how it goes. We'll see how many guys are going to be out for an extended period of time. We'll have to manage the roster like we do every year. That's going to be important. Mike, Caleb was saying how he feels mentally stronger than ever. How does that show up on a regular basis inside the building? Yeah, I think that's about the only place that it can right now with the work that he's doing, just because he really hasn't been tested. But what we're, he's I think just really ahead of where he was obviously last year mentally, which is a great sign. Is that he's taking the time in the off season. He was ready to go before we started installing, he wanted an iPad. He was working on his rehab. He was focusing on things that he could do while he was rehabbing. And then that translated to a good understanding, a very strong understanding of what we're going to be doing. He's been able to get some work in. As you guys can see, that's been limited. But that's all we ask him to do is focus on the things that they can do. Next time we see you'll be at the minicamp next week, what's left? Or what are you going to do next week that maybe you hadn't done yet? As you'll find out next week, Jimmy. What have you liked about what you've seen so far and what needs to improve? Well, I think we're trying to get into some conditioning. I think there's been some days with some heat. We saw us move down here into the red zone, the high red, which is critical. That we play well on both sides of the football in that area. But we'll continue to move down into the red zone. Always leery of that and the speed because the distance, the space is decreased. So without pads on, it's critical that we're smart. But also introducing those low red concepts on offense and defense. Hicks of Jeffrey Simmons at the Von Miller camp. You like guys going to various individual camps like this, whether it's tight end, whether it's defensive line or so forth. Do you appreciate what they can gain from those kind of things? I don't know, I haven't been to them. So I wouldn't know what they could gain or what they do. Colby Woodside has had a lot of game reps other than pre-season and all. What are some of the things that he's done that's kind of earned your trust and his teammate's trust? Well, he prepares as the starter. He hasn't had to, but he's got great command of our offense. I think that continues to show. I think his leadership has improved. His ability to get guys lined up, hold them accountable. But it's different, and we're going to have to give those guys opportunity to compete in the training camp and every opportunity that we can here in practice when we scrimmage. But his understanding of what we're doing, the details of the play, the progression, getting us in the right protections, that's all been really, really positive. A lot more said today that Traylon's been dealing with a setback from Asma. How confident are you that Traylon will get that worked out and be ready to go for the start of the training camp in the pre-season? Very confident. I mean, that's got a lot of confidence in all our players to prepare. And we got a few weeks, quite a few weeks here before we do go to training camp. Are you surprised by that? Surprised by what? I don't get, I try not to get too surprised, but I'm sure you guys will disagree. But that Asma said back with Traylon. No, and that's not, I mean, we deal with a lot of different things. He just, you know, that's something a lot of guys deal with. Again, we've touched on this. Is there a specific reason for that? And how do you feel about your first round pick not being out of practice today? He was unavailable. I assume, did you guys know that he had Asma? Is that something that's covered? Yeah, there's a long medical history. Anything else? Garrett, did you know a little bit about him through Ohio State Ties or anything like that? No, I mean, obviously, you know, watch him when I can. But we got, we got business to do here. Didn't, you know, been a while since we recruited him, spent some time with him, some good time with him at the pro day, understand the program that he's come from. And, you know, he's in a group of young defensive linemen is, is, you know, positive. And I mentioned, they're all kind of different, right? They all kind of not only look different, they got a different skill set. And so excited to see what those guys can do and the role that they can develop when training camp comes. Mike, when you have a guy like Shig, who kind of has all the physical tools, maybe he was the officer of the offense. What's the challenge of a tight end position where he can do some things like seven on seven and run wraps, but you also need to block and do all the things on the line that you can't be all that physical right now? And how's it coming along with that? Well, I mean, I think he's doing everything that we're asking to do. It's hard to get some of those reps that you're going to need against another body without pads on, but we're also going to have to do a good job and be creative in how he does block and where we put him. I mean, it's just not going to hold up against a 280-pound defensive end that wouldn't be fair. So hopefully we can continue to find ways to have him be in there and help us when we do run the football and then do some of the things that his natural skill set would lend him to be able to do when we throw the football, which is showing up more and more. Mike Dillon says he wants to win the right tackle job. Do you want him to win this right tackle job? Yeah, I mean, I want every player that's competing for something to get it. I mean, he's worked hard, put a lot of time in, and he knows that he's going to have to go to training camp and earn a spot like most everybody else. I mean, obviously, there are some spots here that you'd feel pretty good about, but Dillon is excited about competing. He hasn't shied away from it. He's worked hard. So looking forward to a great training camp with him. Mike, how do you view the balance of installing stuff and specifics, but also versus culture, getting in shape, things like that? Compared maybe even to other teams or even how you did it as a player, what's your overall, I guess, philosophy on the goal of this spring? Well, it's improvement. It's development. We'd asked every player and coach to be willing to make a connection with their teammates and with the coaching staff, understanding that not everybody's going to be best friends. You're going to have a different relationship with some others than you will some guys. But just be willing during this time of the year to create those connections, be willing to learn, be willing to improve. And I think for the rookies, I kind of noticed some of this install kind of gets to be a lot. So that's why you see some of the two-spot stuff, is where those guys can focus on maybe some of the base stuff and allow them to develop. I think that once you get into six and seven installs, I started to see a little bit of regression that I thought we were from where we were. And so they've dialed back. And now they're just able to focus on maybe some of the earlier stuff and see if they can continue to improve. And then with the veteran guys, we just have to keep plowing ahead. And then we'll give it to them again once we get to training camp. I mean, I think we do that based on really each and every week, each and every day. And whatever we did three years ago is going to be different. There's going to be some similarities. And it's the same with training camp. And through the season, we see where the team is and kind of try to make a decision what's best for them. Along those lines the last few years, this time of year has been atypical. As you head into mini camp, are you able to remember just how valuable this time is for some of the younger guys and rookies to get ready to go? Well, I mean, I think it's critical for everybody. I mean, I think that spending time with your coaches and your teammates and doing stuff, I mean, we ran plays yesterday and today that we've scored touchdowns on or defended in the season. To say that those reps don't mean anything, I don't agree with that. I showed the team numerous examples of stuff that we did in OTAs that we used in the season. To get the guys that haven't been here back next week and have the team whole as well. I mean, I'm excited to coach everybody that comes. And I would imagine most of those guys will come that haven't been here. Just because they bring, I mean, each of them bring something new and different and exciting and have relationships with them. So it'll be it's just more guys add into what we have here and the dynamic of building a team with different personalities and different people and different skill sets. What's he showing over the last four years to have you guys comfortable with him as far as running the system and understanding the way things operate? I mean, I think he just comes in, he competes. And the guys that we've had him compete against, he's outplayed him, outperformed him in training camp because his understanding of where to go with the football and the audibles, the checks, all the different things that go into playing quarterback. Have you talked to Derek Henry recently or touched base with him about how he's doing this all season? No, I usually just check on Instagram. I don't check him on Instagram. That was a joke, Emily. What kind of makes your mind up, Ben? You know, some vets are here, some vets aren't here. You certainly plenty of years in the league. What makes you feel like it's important for you to be here during the volunteer year? Yeah, everybody's all seasons different. I feel like this prepares me for the season and my success as a pro. I feel like I need this. It makes me a better player. And as a leader, I like being here. I like being around my teammates. And as an offensive lineman, I like working with guys. And it's the time I can work with multiple guys because you never know who's going to be beside you. And I want to have as many bank reps as possible from the guy on the right of left of me. Is that like as a unit? Because it's not the first time you've been through change up front. I mean, what's it like if you guys kind of get to know each other and see who wins jobs that are open? Right. It's always a sighted time. You see guys compete. You see guys step up. And you want to see guys succeed in this league. Being in this league 11 years, I've played by a lot of different guys, a lot of different guys throughout the years. And each season, it's not just five guys you play beside each other all year. You'll see multiple different combinations in games throughout the season. So it's exciting for guys getting their opportunities and whatever I can do. We got there as often as long as trying to be one unit and try to protect and run the ball. At this point, have something new to learn? Or is it just refining all the stuff you've already learned? Yeah, you learn every day. I come in here with a clear mind and I take notes just like a rookie. So no matter what, it's always something I can learn if it's a different motion, if it's a different thing. I'm always trying to pick up on something because the offense and the NFL and the defenses, they don't stop. They're always trying to get an advantage. So as an offensive lineman and as a center, I'm trying to take one step each year. What's your interaction like with the rookies, whether it's the league or Freylin or Hassan, as you try to get them up to speed and learn them? Right. They have rookie classes after this. So my role was to go in there and talk about routine. I'm a very routine guy. I'm here every day, even in the off-season. I'm here from 8 to 12 every day in the off-season, no matter if it's January, February, or March. I'm a guy built of routine and I think that's where my career stands. I try to be the most consistent guy and be out there every day and be available. And that's why I tell them, I was like, hey, find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Don't be wishy-washy on it. And once you build something and you figure out it works, stick to it. Aaron Brewer, not necessarily the biggest guy out there on the line, but what do you like about him in terms of battle skills, competitiveness, whatever, that has him in the mix competing? Right, he competes. He's a guy who plays with effort and that's what we try to be a tough physical team that plays hard. And he has all those characteristics. And he's a guy that I've played a lot of ball beside him in the game. He stepped in and played a lot of good football for us. And he's a guy I'm confident to play him aside. The last two playoff games hasn't performed like we're all used to seeing Derrick perform. How personally do you guys take that on the offensive line? Right, yeah, we've got to go out there and execute. Teams know that Derrick Henry is good. And it's that kind of ball. And they know that's their first thing to stop in the run. And we've got to be better. We've got to execute. We've got to take that next step to get him in his groove earlier in games. But so we can put him in those situations. When you get a lead, you're able to run the ball more efficient. You get behind like we did last year. Play and catch up and having to pick and choose when we run the ball. Besides getting everywhere up, you can get, show some leadership taking over that spot right now. It's very important. I think this time right here is where we build relationships, especially with the rookies or any new guys we've picked up. This is the ground right here. We know the rookies come in and learn about what we're about. And I'm here. I've been here. So I can give them a few pointers that I have. But right now, just stacking the days, getting better each day. What's it been like of making a transition to a new position coach? And what do you think about Coach King? Coach King? Yeah, what's he preaching? He's preaching like he just stand on his very end to it. He wants to be out there just as much as we do. So it's good to have that energy around us. He lets us play ball. He's pretty cool to coach. I mean, not coach, but pretty good to have as a coach. He just is like one of us. He's out there. Young guy still finding his way. He's new as well. So it's all around learning each other. And keep growing as one. So it's important to build relationships right now. Why is it more important now as opposed to later in training camp? Because we have room to make mistakes. We have room to learn. So when it gets closer to the season, it's kind of like it's on edge. You don't got room to mess up too many times. So right now, we can have those times. Make new mistakes, that's what I'm saying here. Make new mistakes. Just keep building and stacking the days. What's it like trying to improve on the little things after you've kind of established yourself as opposed to first coming in here, learning everything on the fly? Well, now it's like I know a lot. It's more about fine tuning the things and fundamentals. And what else can I involve in my craft, whether it's spinning on blitzes or whatever that may be, just finding ways to get better and then finding ways to rally my teammates to do the same thing. David, you mentioned how you're trying to be more vocal. I guess is that in your nature or is that kind of a role you're trying to come into and learn kind of along the way, kind of your voice in that room? That's the thing, it's really not my nature. As far as talking goes, I'm more on the quiet side. But you can't be quiet on the field, especially as a linebacker, as a leader on the defense, quarterback on the defense. So that's a step in my game. I'm trying to improve, man, whether it's on the sideline, talking to the rookies or it's out on the field, knowing what everybody's job is and being able to communicate that. Thank you for that. You may be considered undersized, but you're one of those strikers on the field. What's the mindset or approach? How did you develop that aggressive nature that you play with? I mean, I've been hearing the undersized stuff since high school, but it never changed the way I play. It really just revved me up for real as far as like that dog mentality. And as far as like, I'm gonna show you as far as like how big or how little you think I am. You know what I'm saying? So that's just been me and that's just been grown a part of my game. You know, it was high school, college, you know, hearing the same thing. And even then going into the league, you know, sixth round, you know, after becoming a defense player of the year, it wasn't on knock on my talent, it was height, you know what I'm saying? Or size. So, you know, just continuing to showing that, you know, that doesn't mean a thing. Right. You say you get better each year. Right. What are the areas you're sitting there right now, Sam? Man, if I could just do a little bit more of this, how can you take your game to the next level? I think everything, like I say, I'm coming into now as far as communication, meaning more of a leader, I don't know if you, whether it's blessing or coverage or the way he likes his linebackers to drop. But like I said, he likes us to play our game. I drop a different way than he might have coached years before, you know what I'm saying? That's cool because, you know, I play ball at the end of the day. But like I said, he's a good coach and he's helping me become a better player. Any early impressions, David, on Chance Campbell and how he's come along? He's come a little long way. He'll man give me their asking questions, very involved, very smart rookies. But they're here working, fun to be around, just coming here to learn. You can see that they're eager to learn, eager to get out there and, you know, get some reps. You have a football camp this weekend? Yes. First one you ever had? Second. I hosted with Mike Edwards. He plays for the Bucks. We went to high school together at Wood and Woods. Yeah, so we have this, our second annual free camp for the kids, six to 13, it's gonna be, it's way bigger this time because I took the initiative to get some sponsors late, not late this year. So pretty good, pretty big turnout this year, hopefully. Quickly, your hometown of Cincinnati, is that right? Yes, sir. But what's it like, did you go to camps as a kid and what's it like now to be hosting one and what do you kinda wanna get, what point you wanna get across to the kids? It's crazy that I'm holding my own camp back at home. But I did go to a lot of camps, not like local camps. I went to like Ohio State and stuff, nothing that off me, but it's cool. But it's so good to have that platform that I can reach kids that come from the same type of area, the same type of background, the same type, things that I wanted as a kid, I can be that platform to do that. I was talking with Mike, it was basically like, just don't wait till it's too late to figure out what you wanna do. I think that's what happened a lot, especially when high school I went to. Guys waited too long to figure out what they wanted to do. As far as football, was it gonna take it serious, was they all in? The guys, me and Mike, we were all in early, freshman, eighth grade. So I think that's the point. I'm gonna just try to stay on. Of course I'm still developing what else I'm gonna talk about, but off top that'll be it.