Why Patriots second-round pick was surprised to end up in New England
New England Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh explained the value in bringing players in for pre-draft visits after selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick Thursday night. It’s surprising then, that New England selected Georgia Tech defensive lineman Keion White. White himself was caught off guard by the pick Friday. […]
New England Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh explained the value in bringing players in for pre-draft visits after selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick Thursday night.
It’s surprising then, that New England selected Georgia Tech defensive lineman Keion White. White himself was caught off guard by the pick Friday.
“I didn't have any contact with the Patriots, so it was a surprise to me,” White said in a conference call after being drafted. “I thought our personalities mix well though. So I feel like it's a really good fit.”
Why is that?
“I'm a very big businessperson, so I'm not too big into the glitz and glamour of football,” White said. “I want to work, and I want to win. I feel like that's what the Patriots offer, and I feel like that's what we meet in the middle at.”
White went semi-viral for what seemed like his lack of response to getting selected by New England.
White was in Kansas City for the draft Thursday night but went home to Atlanta for Friday night.
“My phone's going crazy,” White said. “So I haven't even checked the notifications. I don't know if you've seen on the TV but I’m a pretty chill person. So, I'm not very like explosive in excitement in any form. I've just kind of been taking it in. I haven’t even talked to my family to be honest. I'm just kind of taking it all in and handling myself for sure.”
At 6-foot-5, 281 pounds, White can play defensive end on early downs and kick inside to rush the passer on third down.
Featured image via Georgia Tech Athletics
