DEFENSIVE BACK KEIONTE SCOTT

(On joining former University of Miami teammate and Buccaneers first-round draft pick OLB Rueben Bain Jr. in Tampa Bay)

"Yeah, man, definitely, that is going to be super exciting to get that opportunity again. As the season went on, starting to compete with Bain, [we were] having little locker room talks like, 'Man, I want your tackles,' kind of like racing to the ball. So, it's just fun to be around somebody that plays the game the way Rueben does. I'm definitely excited about that."

(On his strengths as a physical, downhill defender)

"Yeah, ultimately [it is] just the want-to. I feel like I try to pride myself on being an old school cat, play the game like an old school [player], flying around, not being afraid to stick my nose in anything and kind of just playing fast. I feel like that attribute helps the defense at times too, by me being able to just fly around and being able to erase things before they get started."

(On how he thinks he fits into Head Coach Todd Bowles' defensive scheme)

"Yeah, definitely, man. This is definitely a scheme that was on my mind as far as where I felt like I would fit at. This scheme that is being [run] is just amazing, what he does on defense as far as showing the versatility of the defensive backs also. I'm just super excited to get there and get to work, man. I'm super excited."

(On his success as a blitzer)

"Yeah, I think you've got to shout out Rueben Bain [Jr.] there, being on the same side. You've got to kind of worry about him a little bit, so that allowed me to kind of be freed up. We work with each other, and that's why this is so special to me and so special to him because we've built something already, so getting to build on that…But then, ultimately, I would just say understanding that at the end of the day when you get sent on a blitz, your brothers are [back there]. I play defensive back, so I understand how it is when you're blitzing and you're waiting [like] somebody better get home. So, I just take that in mind that I've got my brothers back there, and when I get that call to go, I take that with me on the way."

(On if he has any additional connections to the Buccaneers organization)

"No."

(On where he envisions himself playing at the next level)

"Yeah, like I said and spoke on before, I feel like I pride myself on being a defensive back and definitely have this chip building up on my shoulder that was already there. It's much bigger [now]. So, the fact that wherever it's going to be for the team, whatever I can do for the city of Tampa Bay and get that place rocking is something I'm willing to do."

(On the chip on his shoulder and the journey from junior college to the University of Miami)

"Yeah, I would just say ultimately ups and downs, everything that made me who I am today. I'm ultimately learning lessons and different things like that, but then ultimately, I feel like I've handled adversity well, even situations like I'm in now. I feel like at the end of the day it's just time to answer that call again on if you'll do it again. I just feel like I'm super confident in my ability to handle adversity [and] situations. So, I feel like I'm [really] comfortable right here."

(On the emotions of getting drafted)

"Yeah, I would just say, ultimately, I worked really hard, a lot of time [was] put into this, a lot of ups and downs like I said, and to finally get that call, I don't think I could have grabbed the phone any faster. I was just super excited. To ultimately hear Tampa Bay and just start going down that list like, man, Rueben [Bain Jr.] is there and the scheme and the city in general…I'm super excited to get there and just start working."

(On if he's spoken with OLB Rueben Bain Jr. after being drafted)

"Yeah, he called me. We talked. He was super excited for me. He's actually down there, so he stepped out of the room. They told him that it was going down, and he stepped out and made the call to me. I talked to him, and we're super excited to get back to working together."

(On clarifying if Bain Jr. was in the draft room when he called Scott)

"No, he was there at brunch, and he stepped away and called me."

(On if he and Bain Jr. discussed adding more Miami players to Tampa Bay)

"Yeah, yeah. The talk was [that] he said he was trying to get some Hurricanes down that way, so we'll see how the draft plays out."

(On if he has a message to Buccaneers fans as far as what type of player they're getting)

"A straight 'dawg,' man – a player that doesn't need anything but an opportunity At the end of the day, that's what I have now. I'm looking forward to taking full advantage of it."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN DEMONTE CAPEHART

(On his pre-draft interactions with the Buccaneers)

"I think the most interaction I had was when I came down on my [top] 30 visit to the Bucs and it went really well."

(On if he is prouder of his 4.85 40-yard dash or 34-inch vertical he accomplished at the NFL Scouting Combine)

"I'm not really proud of [anything]. I feel like [there is] a long way to go. I knew I could run fast, but I was probably more impressed by the [vertical jump] because I haven't jumped in so long."

(On the mentality he brings when he steps onto the football field)

"My mentality that I bring on the field is violent. With a lot of different teams, they [have] different schemes, but for me, when I step on the field, my mentality is to go through somebody, push another grown man against their will."

(On if there are any NFL defensive linemen he watches with strengths close to his own)

"I like to watch 'Big Dex' (Dexter Lawrence) because I know him personally. I feel like I'm in close reach to that guy. Whenever I have questions or something, I can always reach out to him. That's who I look at and feel like I can get tips from anytime I need a learning experience [from] because he's been doing it for so long. That's somebody I look up to."

(On how he can use his athleticism to his advantage on the football field)

"If I'm on the defensive line and the quarterback is throwing the ball, I feel like that's a great opportunity for me to showcase that vertical by trying to swat it down. In my 40[-yard dash], when guys see me, I think running backs take it into account like, 'Oh, he's big, he's not fast,' so I think that's an attribute that I love showcasing to let smaller guys know I'm not slow."

(On how excited he is to join the Buccaneers defensive line room)

"I'm very excited, ready to be a part of that room [and] learn from that room, because [they have] a lot of veteran guys [and I] just want to come and be a part in figuring out how to help those guys win."

(On his high school basketball background and how that helps him in his game)

"Quickness. I think my first step [and] things of that nature, but most importantly footwork with basketball."

(On what his emotions were when he received the call from the Buccaneers)

"I remember when [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles talked to me when I came down for my [top] 30 visit – it just played in my head so many times – that we would talk again. That's just one of the things that kept playing in my head when I [saw] my phone buzzing, I was like, 'Oh my God, no way.'"

(On if he believes he is versatile enough of a player to play along every position of the defensive line)

"Me personally, I love it all, because it's all the same thing if you think about it. It's just where you're lining [up] at. I feel like if you're a two-[interior], you can play the three, if you're a three-[interior], you can play the four. It's all the same thing, it's just bumping you out farther away from the ball, that's all I see it as. I think I'm very talented and versatile. I think I can play all of them, and I'm excited. For me personally, when I get in the nose position, that's where I feel like I'm dominant because of my quick first step on the centers and guards and stuff like that."

(On his biggest strength)

"My biggest strength is, like I said, being violent and just stopping the run."

(On what he can bring to the defense)

"I think I can bring tenacity, that energy, that swagger to that defense."

(On what his go-to move is to stop the run when he is getting double-teamed)

"I like to throw my hip into the guard or the tackle, essentially. I don't really drop the knee, I always try to brace my inside leg and throw my hip into the pressure."

(On his message to Buccaneers fans)

"For all the Bucs fans, you're getting a guy that's committed, a guy that knows what he wants and knows what to bring every single day…A guy that knows how to work and a guy that's going to give you guys his all."

GUARD BILLY SCHRAUTH

(On his mentality during his game against USC when he stayed in despite being injured)

"I think whenever you get the chance, and the medical team gives you the option to go back out there, it's not really an option. You love to go play with those guys. So, [I have] no regrets. I love playing the game and I don't take any moment out there for granted and having the opportunity to get back out there with my guys was all I wanted."

(On being a team captain at Notre Dame)

"It was awesome. I love those guys in that locker room like brothers. To be thought of as a leader not only in [my] room, but the whole locker room is a huge honor."

(On his pre-draft process communication with the Buccaneers)

"Yeah – talked with them [and] met with them probably two or three times. [I] had a decent feeling, but I think you never really know until your phone starts ringing. [I'm] super fired up about the opportunity."

(On what the moment was like when he received the call from the Buccaneers)

"A lot of gratitude…It's been a different little journey here the last couple of months but trying to stay in the moment with all of it [and] put my foot forward. [I am] super fired up to be in Tampa and in Florida. I think it's a good fit."

(On his awareness to pick up defenders on stunts and blitzes)

"I think it's, number one, playing with the guys next to you. It's five as one. Everything has to be done together at the offensive line position, so I think that's number one. Then, you have to be prepared. You have to see things unraveling as they're lining up – you can't be late with anything. I think those two things. Taking care of the guys next to you is huge."

(On his playing style and mentality on the football field)

I love getting after guys. I think I always try to be a good teammate and try to take care of the guys next to me. In doing so, I like to play physical. I like getting after dudes – playing the game the way it's supposed to be played…Fast. Strong. Powerful."

(On what he enjoys about run blocking)

"I think it's moving a man against his will. It's awesome. There [are] not many sports where you can express yourself physically like that and get after people. I think I never feel more like myself than when I'm out playing football and run blocking is a huge part of that for me."

(On if he has the potential to cross train at different positions)

"I'd be comfortable wherever. I love playing ball and finding a way to get out there and help the Buccaneers win football games is number one for me."

(On what he can bring the Buccaneers)

"I'm bringing edge. I play the game a certain way and I think that's number one. I love to win and I'll always play the game to win, and I think that's number one. Just getting out there and doing everything I can to, like I said, help this team win ball games."

(On if he knows current Buccaneers CB Benjamin Morrison)

"Yeah, I do know 'B-Mo.' We came in the same class at Notre Dame. He's a great dude and great football player."

(On his journey from a small town in Wisconsin, to Notre Dame, and now the NFL)

"It's awesome. Not many people have done what I'm doing. I think it's really a credit to my family and my community. I'm kind of where the light is shining but there's a lot of people who have helped me get to where I've gotten and I'm super grateful for them. My family is awesome and growing up in that small community, I also had a lot of friends and even cousins [and] uncles who showed me the right way to do things and go about things. I think that's what I remember the most throughout my journey."

(On if his draft spot provides additional motivation)

"Yeah. I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I think everything happens for a reason. I think this is a great fit. I'm always highly motivated. That's just who I am. I think motivation isn't something I look for all the time. I'm grateful to have that within me."

(On the health of his knee)

"Fully healthy – ready for camp."

(On his message the Buccaneers fans as far as what type of player the team is getting)

"Physical. A physical guy who wants to help the team win. I'll be a culture guy – I spend a lot of time in the locker room, in the o-line room, in the facility and I think it shows up. I try to bring energy to guys and my teammates and not take it."

TIGHT END BAUER SHARP

(On how playing quarterback helped him transition to being a full-time tight end)

"As you know, I started [out] playing quarterback [my] freshman year of college and I made the switch [after playing] quarterback all throughout high school. But conceptually, knowing the game, seeing the picture – just kind of knowing everything helped me out when you want to know everyone's position at quarterback, and then going to tight end and just knowing your position. So, it's kind of slowed it down for me, I would say.

(On how being a former quarterback plays into being a quarterback-friendly target)

"I mean, that's my main goal is just to pick [Baker Mayfield's] brain. There's so much utter respect for that man, being QB1 of the team. But I just can't wait to earn my trust to him in the role on offense and be what I like to say is a blanket to him – be a cover up for when stuff goes to crap…Just to be that guy for him."

(On the Tampa Bay's level of interest during the pre-draft process)

"They had a lot. I took a [top] 30 visit there, met with the coach. I don't want to say I had a Zoom call, but I had a [top] 30 visit, so I knew they were definitely interested."

(On how his Top 30 visit to Tampa went)

"It was awesome – I mean, just the vibes down there. My guy Ty [Shiflet] that was taking me around worked at LSU previously, so to kind of know him it just fit. It was awesome."

(On what parts of his game will translate at the NFL level)

"I'm just a very versatile player. You can put me at fullback, you put me as a 'Y' tight end, you can put me as an 'H'. It really doesn't matter. I can do it all. If you ask me to go run down on kickoff to make a tackle, I'm going to do that as well - all of special teams. I think I'm just a Swiss army knife as they would say. I was a wildcat QB my sophomore year."

(On his emotions after receiving the call from the Buccaneers)

"I don't think there [are] any tears left in my body. I think they all just got out. Everyone was crying. It was awesome. I was fortunate for one offer out of high school to play quarterback and now I'm here as an NFL tight end, so that's just a testament to how good God is in my life.

(On if he in Dothan, Alabama)

"Yes, I am."

(On the energy in Dothan)

"It's awesome. We have a surprise draft party that I had no idea about at six o'clock, so we'll go celebrate that."

(On what he thought he was going to be doing today)

"I was like "Ma", 'I just want it all family. Let's just do family and my agent.' So here we go."

(On how he handles surprises)

"I mean, yeah. I know now so it's not really a surprise but it was good."

(On his frame, benching 20 reps at the NFL Scouting Combine, and how he feels taking on blocking assignments)

"I wouldn't even say they're tough. They're inviting I would say. Twenty was not the number I was wanting. It's little low for me, I would say, but I'm just excited to learn and be sponge to the tight end coach and the vets in that room, honestly, as a rookie coming in. I'm just trying to earn the respect from my teammates to be honest with you, right off the jump, and go to work [and] earn respect by the work I put in."

(On the bench press number he had in mind)

"Mid-twenties. I have no idea. I thought I was going to get more than 20 but it's alright."

(On if he views himself as more of a pass catching tight end or blocking tight end)

"Absolutely, I think I'm one of the most versatile tight ends in the draft. I really do. Just my twitchiness at the top of routes and I create separation, but also the physicality, the twitch right off the ball to go make a block for a touchdown."

(On how each school he attended shaped the player he is right now)

"I mean, it was all meant to be. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Everywhere I went just the relationships I created helped mold me to the man I am today, along with my Heavenly Father Jesus Christ. It was awesome. At each stop I learned a lot to be groomed as a tight end."

(On his mentality on the field when it comes to run blocking)

"I'm going to be willing to die for the block right off the bat. There really isn't any other words to put it [in]. I'm going to be successful [at blocking]. That's the nicest way to put it."

(On if he knows anyone on the Buccaneers)

"I do not. I'm familiar with the tight ends they have but I personally don't know anybody."

(On catching passes from Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield)

"Boomer [Sooner], baby, I guess, a couple years ago…Run it back. That would be sick. I'm excited to meet him."

(On his nickname Bauer)

"That's my great grandparents' last name. It's actually my middle name. I go by William Bauer. Everybody just calls me Bauer or just plain old Sharp. That's what it is."

(On his message to Buccaneers fans)

"I would just say I'm a go-getter. I'm going to do anything for my teammates. I'm in love with my teammates, seriously. I really do. I'm passionate. I'm a little crazy when I put the helmet on, but I'll do anything for Bucs nation and everybody around me."

(On his faith and the role it played during his journey)

"Yeah. I mean, obviously, as a football player, you go through adversity that anyone and everyone does, so that's kind of my main [way to] vent is my faith. Obviously, my family too, but that's kind of what's gotten me through and got me here today."

-BUCCANEERS-