Second round cornerback David Amerson left no doubt that he was excited to be selected by the Washington Redskins 51st overall.
In a conference call with the media after the pick, Amerson gushed about his pre-draft visit to Redskins Park, saying he had a great feeling about the visit.
"All the feelings just hit me at once. It's kind of hard to explain," he said. "I feel perfect, man. [This is] one of the better days of my life."
The Redskins addressed a need with their first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, bolstering a defensive unit that ranked 31st in the NFL last season against the pass.
During his career at North Carolina State, Amerson tallied 169 career tackles, 131 solo. He is also credited with 73 career tackles against the run.
Amerson displayed good instincts and athleticism with 18 collegiate interceptions, 293 return yards and three touchdowns. For a defense in need of playmakers, this was clearly appealing.
"Making the big play on the defensive side of the ball, turning the ball over, is something that can change the game," Amerson explained. "It definitely turns games around and steals games as well, and that's something I try to pride myself on.
"[It's] just preparation and knowing when to take chances and when not to. [It's] just playing football, I can't really give you a formula."
Amerson said the coaching staff had only ever talked to him about playing cornerback, suggesting the team still has a need at free safety.
Speaking frankly, Amerson estimated he was a good fit for the defensive scheme in Washington.
"To see some of the coverages they run and how they play their corners and things like that, I definitely think that I'll fit into the system," he said. "I know it's a hard-nosed defense. [They've] got a lot of deep players, a lot of good veterans that just get after it.
"Something I'd love to be a part of, really. Luckily it worked out like it did."
Amerson understands that making the jump from the Atlantic Coast Conference to the NFC East will come with growing pains, but he said he is eager to learn and improve his game.
"You have to get a lot more smarter in the game," he said. "I've really got to be dedicated to the film room, got to be ready for going against the big-time receivers week in and week out.
"I have to get back to the basics and back to playing football like I know how to play."
Last season, Amerson followed up an electric sophomore season (13 interceptions, two touchdowns) with a bit of a down season by his standards.
"At the beginning of the season, I was trying to make every play, make every interception, trying to jump every route," he said. "I started sitting on routes, eyes in the backfield, so it was a lot of beating myself more than getting beat by other receivers.
"That's something I had to eliminate. It was hurting my team and hurting myself, so I had to get back to the fundamentals and playing football."
Possessing good size (6-1, 205) and speed (4.44 40), Amerson said he is ready to play any defensive scheme in Washington, including nickel coverage.
"We played everything at N.C. State, so it really doesn't matter. I can adjust to any scheme or any coverage," he said. "Man-to-man is my ideal coverage because it eliminates the mental aspect of playing football as far as zone coverages."
When asked if he will be in Washington over the weekend, he said he was willing to catch the next flight.
"I'm just looking forward to meeting the team, getting to know my teammates, and helping the Redskins win a Super Bowl."
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