Lorenzo Mauldin Speaks To The Media

On if the adversity he has had to deal with has allowed him to get to this point...

Exactly. That's exactly what it's done. Going through the hard times that I've been through, I'm proud of myself to actually say I stuck out it and was able to succeed in life. A lot of people use it as a crutch to say that they can't do it because of what they've been through. (I) continue to say that I'm not a statistic and I'm going to overcome it.

On reflecting on his emotions when he got the call from the Jets that he had been drafted...

To be honest, I'm still speechless. It's crazy. When I first got that call, I was eating, looking at the draft and I'm like okay, they haven't called my name yet, so I'm like alright. I actually had a friend and someone told me, "You're phone's ringing." And I was kind of scared to answer it because, I just realized that my dreams had come true, someone's calling me and I'm getting picked in the middle of the third round. It was a blessing for me, and it isn't anybody but God.

On what he does well and what he needs to improve on...

I can say I play fast. Regardless of whether I mess up or do the right thing, I'm going to make plays, I mean that's just what I do. (I) play very well with my hands, I think so. Again, I play fast. Things that I need to work on is basically paying more attention to detail. Of course, getting through my playbook more (and) understanding the offense and what I'm going up against and being able to apply all that on the field.

On what he anticipates his role will be as a rookie...

Of course, contribute on special teams. I love to play special teams. Hopefully learn from the guys, the older veteran guys at my position to learn to rush the passer better and probably be a backup for them.