LB NICK BOLTON
Q: What does this defense need to do to become a championship defense again?
BOLTON: “Kind of the same as its always been, you scrap the year before (and) you come here and you lay the groundwork with the guys that you have in the building. Obviously, in years prior we were able to build off – scheme-wise with the players we have in the building. It’s a little bit different this year with the guys lost in the offseason. We have to start from the bottom, build the groundwork, the foundation, find things that everybody in this defense plays well (and) does well. Coach Spags (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) does a great job with that, along with bringing in great competition throughout the camps and OTAs. It’s the same as it’s always been, start from ground one with the end goal in mind of competing for a Super Bowl.”
Q: On the signing of Alohi Gilman and Khyiris Tonga.
BOLTON: “Super big for us. (Alohi) Gilman, especially in the back end, I think he’s going to be good for us. Being a vocal guy, getting guys orchestrated in the back end. He’s played a lot of football (and) played in different schemes. Even last year, being able to go and play in Baltimore halfway throughout the season, I think that was super huge in terms of seeing his communication. KT (Khyiris Tonga), another one of those guys you can tell is an intellectual, knows what he’s talking about, knows ball (and) has been around different schemes -- big up front. Again, I love all the big guys we can get but he’s going to be a great guy, a good person to be around for sure.”
Q: What’s some advice you have for rookies entering the NFL?
BOLTON: "Trust your work (and) trust your process. Nothing happens overnight, especially (since) we’ve been accustomed – to being the best player on our teams and being able to play with quick success and that doesn’t always happen. Being diligent in your work, being consistent and don’t get bored with the details because as you continue to do those things, they show up when you need them the most.”
QB JUSTIN FIELDS
Q: What was your initial reaction to coming to Kansas City?
FIELDS: “I was excited, excited for a new start. Of course, the tradition here, the culture here, the guys that are here in the building (and) the experience. It was all I wanted. (I’m) definitely excited and excited to be here and to learn and to just get things going.”
Q: How are you preparing to be a starting quarterback if Patrick Mahomes can’t play early in the season?
FIELDS: “I think regardless of me starting or being a backup, I’m going to attack the day the same way. My goal is to get better each and every day, (in) any way that I can. So, I think of course you do have to look at that but my mindset going into each day doesn’t change.”
Q: What was it like being drafted in 2021?