HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On how the first day of Rookie Mini-Camp is going)

"A lot of learning, obviously guys [are] getting acclimated, getting their playbooks, getting in, [and] getting their feet wet. They showed up in shape for the first day, so we'll just push forward for tomorrow."

(On his impressions of WR Kade Warner)

"Coachable, very coachable, [and] fundamentally sound it looked like in individual drills. One day is hard to get a gauge on it so we'll see how it progresses from there."

(On why he wanted to bring in Warner)

"Solid football player. He can catch the ball, he can play special teams, he can do a lot of things that we need and we're always looking for special teams players."

(On if any undrafted guys are in a good position to compete for the 53-man roster)

"Well, they've got to prove that. There are some we liked, and we hoped that they can turn into what they were in college. We have a few of those but we're not anointing anybody on the first day of practice."

(On linebackers SirVocea Dennis and Jeremy Banks)

"SirVocea played a lot of what we play here, he played in college. He's very bright, he can play multiple spots, he can cover, he can blitz, he can scrape, he can do a lot of things and he's a very heady football player. You don't usually get that later on in the draft, so we felt good about that when we took him. Obviously, Banks was a heck of a player at Tennessee, they had a good defense, and he just knows where the ball is. On tape he found the ball and hopefully here he can do the same thing."

(On how important it is to have a fourth quarterback and what he saw on the first day)

"Again, that's a lot of learning. They're learning the offense, nevertheless seeing a different defense and some of these guys in college don't even get playbooks, they just post up there and they give them cards on the sideline. So, it's a lot of teaching and a lot of learning but these guys are competitive, they show good fight, and you kind of see how they progress from learning from their mistakes as practice goes forward. But we really like them. It's semi-important having a fourth guy on the roster, we'll see how many are worthy of having that position or not having that position."

(On if everyone handled the heat well today)

"Yeah, there was actually a decent breeze. First day out, a lot of these guys are not used to this type of heat, so we took a little more water breaks than normal, but they handled it pretty [well]."

(On the importance of letting players that were on the practice squad last year get extra work this time around)

"I think it's important because it's their first time really learning the system. We got them halfway through the year last year, some of them later than that. The reps are very important for them to keep up once we start 'OTAs' (organized team activities) and everything, so they don't get behind."

(On outside linebacker Yaya Diaby)

"Well, he grew into his weight. Obviously, his size, he grew up to about 264 [pounds] and he can still run. We see him as an outside linebacker in base, he can help us in sub, he can also go inside some. So, as he gets acclimated to the system, it's just a matter of what are the tools that he has to see if we can move him around or leave him in one spot or add anything. But he has heavy hands, he's a load to handle and he can run so that gives us some hope."

(On the benefits of getting an older guy out of college)

"Well, you like the maturity part because they've played a lot of games. It used to be like that back in the day, about maybe 10 years ago we're talking about. Now they come out early so you kind of have to teach them what they know in college then try to advance from there. But guys that have played 40, 50, 60 games in college and have a good understanding of how to play the game, they learn it faster. So that's a big advantage."

(On how much stock he puts into defensive turnovers during mini-camp)

"Those [defensive] guys are new, too, so they're learning the system as well. The defensive guys are learning the defense, the offensive guys are learning the offense – nevertheless going up against each other. You put stock in turnovers all the time – it's always good to see them on one hand, but you never want to have them on the other side. It's the first day, I don't put too much stock in it. Everybody is learning, trying to do the right thing, trying to do what the coaches tell you. Once they settle in and understand the entire system, I think then you start counting them that way."

(On what he wants DT Calijah Kancey to focus on)

"We just want him to play defensive tackle. That's what we got him for. He's not a stunter, he's not a this guy or a that guy. He can actually play football. He can play the position without stunting him. As we get to know him and get a feel for everything – what he's good at, not good at, left side, right side, which hand down and those types of things – based on the pieces around him, we'll try and use him accordingly. Now, he's focusing on learning the position. We're not into game-planning or schematics right now – you have to get the basics down and he's doing that very well. He's a very bright guy."

(On where Kancey is as far as technique and basics)

"It's early. You're out of pads and obviously they haven't played college ball in a while, so other than drills from working out, they're going to be behind a little bit once they go against an offensive team the first day."

(On what he's seen from Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales)

"[He's] very efficient, very detail-oriented, he includes everybody – all-inclusive, everybody has a role – he has a vision for everything he does, from individual period drills to team drills to how he wants it and how he sees it. But he's not too smart to take advice from his coaches or his players and I think he'll fit in well here."

(On his takeaways from the schedule announcement)

"The first thing I look for is where the Bye week is and the second thing is how many cold games we've got in December. Obviously, we've got Green Bay in December, so you prepare for that one. Then, you kind of see the turnaround from the Sunday to the Thursday game to see what you've got to prepare for early. You look at those three things and that's about it."

(On if the nickel corner position is the only position that's not decided yet)

"I didn't know starters were in place at every position, first of all. I never signed off on that one [laughs]. Let me see your list and we'll compare. The nickel spot is open – there's quite a few spots that are going to be a battle. We have ideas and things we have in mind that we want to see at that position and we think we have some guys that can fill that spot. We'll see as 'OTAs' (organized team activities) and training camp go on if we need one or if we're satisfied with what we have."

(On if he's happy with the participation levels)

"I think it's been great, I think it's been outstanding. People [are] coming in the building and everybody for the most part is pretty much here. There's some in and out but on any given day, you can have up to about 93 or 94% of the guys here – which has been very good. You've got to learn a new offense, obviously. Obviously, it's voluntary but for those guys to come in has been great."

(On if there's been any change with the status of LB Devin White)

"No more conversation but the offseason is all voluntary so it's not really a big deal right now."

(On if he's had any additional conversations with White)

"I have not but our coaches have and I understand where we are at this point."

(On what he's looking for from the rookies during mini-camp)

"Getting acclimated to the system, learning the playbook and getting caught up to speed so that when we have the vets come in, they're not far behind. Our whole job for them between now and the time we go on vacation in June is to get caught up so they can have even footing when training camp comes. That's going to be a day-by-day process, it's not going to happen overnight. There's a lot of things to put in. Offensively, we'll be fine because everybody is learning something new at the same time. Some of the defensive guys that have been here kind of know things better so the other guys have to catch up more, but offensively I think everybody's got to be on the same page because it is new for everyone."

(On his impression of OL Cody Mauch)

"I know he's an athlete. He played a lot of positions when he was growing up. [He's] very smart, he's a gritty guy. He hadn't been down to Florida before so this is new for him, but I like the attitude and I like the football instincts of him."

(On his impression of safeties Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather)

"Christian reminds me of [Antoine] Winfield Jr. a little bit in the way he plays. He's not the same guy but obviously he has a burst and he's very physical down there. Merriweather was a very good tackler in college. He's built up pretty good – you can mistake him for a linebacker if you're not careful. You look for those guys to learn the system and get on even footing and then kind of see where they are. But you kind of like the guys you've got coming in, especially if you got them in free agency – those two guys could have been drafted."

(On what changes he's applied to this coming season compared to last season)

"First, defensively, we've tweaked somethings that [were different] last year. We've been much bigger up front and in the middle. We've still got some size in there but we've got more quickness now. You're playing more college quarterbacks and college people every week and we had to get faster up front – not necessarily 4.4 [40-yard dash time] fast, but faster at certain positions. We thought we did that. The schedule will be tweaked and has been tweaked. Going into the season, I talked to the coaches and we tweaked a lot of things. Offensively, the obvious changes. I think it was important to find somebody that was complimentary, hopefully, to the defense and we can play complimentary football. It's exciting, at the same time, having everybody come in here. It's new energy in the building and I like where we are."

(On if he plans to rotate in a bigger defensive line combination)

"There's going to be times for all of that, depending on the gameplan and who we're playing and how they want to attack us. That will be self-explanatory and take care of itself. We have the ability to morph into quite a few things up there. Gameplan-wise, I'm sure we will."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN CALIJAH KANCEY

(On getting prepared for training and dealing with the weather in Florida)

"My goal is to stay hydrated. Staying on top of my hydration, making sure I'm eating just so I can survive in the humidity out here. It's definitely hotter. It's not what I was used to college – just got a reminder of what Florida heat is like being back home. I definitely have to be hydrated."

(On his focus now that draft day is behind him and he's in his new facility)

"Right now, my focus, I've got three things – learn, engage, and execute. I want to learn everyone's name, for one. I want to learn the playbook. I want to learn my way around Tampa because I only know about Busch Gardens. I'm going to learn all the coaches' names, everyone's name around the building – custodians, chefs, everything. Then I want to engage, talk to people, get to know them – teammates, coaches, everyone. Then I want to execute. If that person needs me to do something I can go do it, or if coach gives me that assignment, I can go make that play. [Those are] the three things I'm focused on right now."

(On getting to play with LB SirVocea Dennis again and what he is going to bring to the team)

"It's awesome to have him here. He's a great guy, great player. He will prove that to a lot of people real soon. It's just good to have a former teammate with you. It makes you more comfortable – new environment, new city – but you have your teammate with you, so that kind of makes you comfortable. And then we can both learn the playbook together. He's a hell of a player, hell of a person and he will prove that this year."

GUARD CODY MAUCH

(On working with Assistant Head Coach/Run Game Coordinator Coach Harold Goodwin and Offensive Line Coach Joe Gilbert)

"It's been awesome to work with them. They're real high-energy guys and just good guys to talk to, I think. Each of them has their own niche – Coach Goodwin is more of the run guy and Joe is more of the pass guy, so you get a little taste. They both obviously know a little bit of everything being where they are, but it seems like they're really good guys to learn from."

(On if he already knew he could play all over the offensive line or if his performance at the Senior Bowl gave him that confidence)

"I would say a little bit of both. I feel comfortable. I've always kind of felt comfortable playing, but again, the first time I was actually able to play guard and center was at the Senior Bowl, so that really did reaffirm that I really could play any of the five spots. I was confident going in, but it just reaffirmed my confidence in the ability to play any of those spots."

(On if he has set goals for Rookie Mini-Camp or if he is just trying to get the 'lay of the land')

"That's the biggest thing right now is getting the lay of the land. I obviously have high goals for myself, but really, I just want to compete. Any chance I can compete, whether it's in the weight room, the classroom, the field, I'm just going to try to compete, and I think that's going to help me accomplish some of those goals."

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER YAYA DIABY

(On his journey, which includes working at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

"Everybody has a different journey. Working at the airport made me stronger mentally – not taking things for granted. Certain guys came out of high school and went straight to a Power 5 school – I just took a different path and that path worked for me. I'm here now."

(On what he gained from going to military school)

"My leadership skills. Like I said, being good with people. There are certain players where you have to come at them a different way for them to understand things, and that's what I did at Louisville in my junior and senior year – picking up that leadership role. Right now, I'm just trying to earn the respect of everyone and once I do that, I'm definitely taking a leadership role."

(On wearing No. 0)

"They said it was available. They said it was available. They said no other guy wanted it. I couldn't get No. 6 because of Baker [Mayfield] and he deserves it. So, zero, that's me."

(On what the key to turning his athleticism into sacks is)

"I would say learning from the older guys. As I said, be a sponge. I'm here to win a job but at the same time, I'm here to earn everyone's respect and learn what I can learn. That's my motto."

(On meeting the other rookies)

"It's amazing – we've got another ACC guy. A lot of people kind of overlook ACC guys. I'm glad Calijah [Kancey] is here with me – an ACC guy. Jose [Ramirez] – he's my roommate and we're in it together. We're going to push each other every day and just keep getting better."

TIGHT END PAYNE DURHAM

(On joining a young tight end room)

"Yeah, when I talked to coach [John] Van Dam the first time after I got drafted, he said, 'We might have the youngest tight end room in America, so let that be a chip on your shoulder and let that motivate you even more.' I'm excited to get in that room and get to work with those guys. Obviously great players and I'm just super excited for that opportunity and for that chip to be on everyone's shoulder."

(On only having five years of football experience and now being in the NFL)

"It hit me yesterday when I walked in. I was like, 'Man this is kind of cool.' Yeah, it definitely hit me, I called my high school coach that got me into football the other day and just thanked him again. I do that like once a week. But yeah it's an awesome experience and I hope it's nowhere near over yet."

(On how not being the fastest tight end has helped him make contested catches)

"Like you said, I know what I am. I'm not going to pretend to be something I'm not. So, that's been my whole career, so I have to find ways to create short space separation. Like I said, get my hands free, make those contested catches, it's just something I've got to do. If you put me in a phone booth, I've got to be able to get open so that's something I've always prided myself in being able to do. Yeah, maybe the 40 [-yard dash] wasn't the best but if you put me in a 10-yard box I'm going to get open. So, that's what I set out to do."

(On wearing number 87 because of Rob Gronkowski)

"Yeah absolutely, they gave me a small list of numbers to pick, and it was kind of no-brainer for me. When I wore my high school number, I picked 87 because of 'Gronk,' (Rob Gronkowski) college number it was still 87, here it's still 87, [and] if someone else drafted me I would've asked for 87. It's an honor, the greatest tight end of all time, I'm wearing his jersey from two-years ago so definitely and honor, definitely a privilege and I'm looking forward to trying to fill those shoes slowly."

WIDE RECEIVER KADE WARNER

(On what made Tampa Bay so appealing)

"Tampa Bay was one of my top teams before the draft happened. As it dwindled down to the end, other teams maybe got their guys, other teams that didn't really talk to me didn't get their guys and it just kind of all found its way where they gave me a great offer and it was a great situation. At the end of the day, the NFL is a numbers game and before the draft they didn't have a ton of dudes in their room – they have some great guys, but not a ton of guys. It's a numbers game so it's a great situation here. I think the scheme fits me perfectly and so it was all just a perfect storm that brought me here."

(On getting that phone call from the Buccaneers and sharing that news with his family)

"It was emotional because I knew who I was, I knew I wasn't a first two days kind of guy. So, that last day every time I left for a phone call whether it was an agent or just one of my buddies calling me, [when] I come back into the room my whole family is holding their breath. When that sixth-round kind of hit, seventh-round, then it starts to dwindle down gets close, [and] then post-draft obviously you start getting closer and closer to when I got the call where it was time to be a Buccaneer. I came back and told my family, started crying a little bit but it was emotional. Just a lot of work to get here."

(On becoming a Buccaneer)

"The moment is just surreal; I'm so blessed to be here. My cousin teaches elementary school in Arizona, so I went there and kind of told them my story last week and just told them my life journey. How I was a walk-on, no one wanted me, didn't have any offers, went to Nebraska nobody wanted me, went to Kansas State, took a couple years, finally got there, didn't get drafted, so there's been a lot of twists and turns and a lot of adversity. So, to be here, to put on this jersey and to go out there and play football, it's literally a dream come true for me. Right now, it was kind of a dream come true, it still is, but now when you get out there on the field and you've got cleats on, [and] the balls going around it's just football. It's just back to square one."

(On what type of player the Buccaneers are getting)

"Competitive. I want to go out there and I want to win. I take everything personally – like I was saying, from that undrafted, that walk-on mentality, every little thing. Like if the coaches pick somebody else before me, I write that down, if somebody gets more reps than me in this walk through, I write that down. It's kind of like that chip on your shoulder, I think just that expression is said a lot so I don't like saying it, but I just take everything personally. So, I'm competitive like that and I'm the smartest receiver in this draft class and I've said it before. They're going to get a good slot receiver out of me and I'm going to know exactly what to do on every play."

-BUCCANEERS-