S Taylor Rapp Conference Call

Rams Second Round Draft Selection Taylor Rapp – Conference Call – April 26, 2019

(On his reaction to getting picked by the Rams)

“Yeah, I mean – it was an unbelievable moment. I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life, ever since I could walk. An unbelievable moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

(On visiting with the Rams during the draft process, what his impression was of the team and if he had any inkling if they were interested in him)

“Yeah, I mean – I think any team that brings in a player on a top-30 visit after the combine has to have some interest in a player. But, when I first got there, I could tell right away that it’s the perfect place for me. The culture is just so unique and the way things are done around there is just so unique and so great. I just knew I would be a perfect fit.”

(On what he thinks about joining safeties Eric Weddle and John Johnson)

“Yeah, to me it’s the perfect scenario. I get to come in and learn under those – you know – obviously (S) Eric Weddle, a vet, and then (S) John Johnson as well – he’s an incredible player. To come in there and learn under them – it’s an incredible opportunity and I think it’s the perfect scenario for me. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

(On talk over the last day that he potentially had a hip issue)

“Yeah, I’m completely healthy. At the end of the season my last game, I injured it in the Pac-12 Championship and didn’t end up playing the Rose Bowl because of it. But, I mean, it’s completely healthy. I went through the whole pre-combine, pre-draft process. Got everyone all the medical, checked it. Obviously, got it checked out by the Rams’ doctors and physical stuff there, so it’s completely healthy. I’m ready to play ball now. I’m ready to get to work.”

(On how well he knows LB Cory Littleton & CB Marcus Peters)

“Yeah, those guys I didn’t get a chance to play with them at ‘UW’ (University of Washington). I think I came in after them, a year after they left. But, I’ve only heard great things about those guys. I can’t wait to join them and start playing with them.”

(On his impression of the Rams over the last couple of years, watching them over the last few years under Head Coach Sean McVay)

“Yeah, I mean Coach McVay and the whole coaching staff – they know what they’re doing. These past three/four seasons, you know it’s completely turned around. They definitely got something going on there, and they obviously know what they’re doing. I couldn’t thank the whole organization and the whole coaching staff enough for the opportunity to join them and obviously to get the opportunity to play under them. It’s a dream come true.”

(On staying on the West Coast near family and friends)

“Right, I mean right. During the draft so many things can happen, but being able to stay on the West Coast and to be able to go to California, and obviously to play under a first-class organization like the Los Angeles Rams is like I said before is a dream come true. It’s an incredible opportunity.”

(On if his hip injury affected his 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day)

“Yeah, I mean I think it was a bizarre situation. Even after I got hurt and was training before the Combine, I never hit any times as slow as I did at the Pro Day. I mean, it is what it is. I can’t make an excuse about it. But I’m just ready to get to work and to get to play football.”