The San Diego State tackle wants to prove his worth
Offensive lineman Tyler Roemer out to prove himself right and critics wrong
Mar 1, 2019, 11:58 am
The San Diego State tackle wants to prove his worth
Tyler Roemer sat at a table at the combine with former San Diego State teammate Ryan Pope. It was mid-afternoon and Roemer's second day going through the combine grind. He had slept just a few hours the night before, thankful to rest after what he described was an intense 18-20 hour day on Tuesday.
As if he hadn't answered enough inquires about himself in the previous marathon day, the first question he was asked at his NFL scouting combine media availability was about preparing for interviews. He detailed a near-daily regimen of preparing for the combine interviews including one session that lasted over six hours destroying his workout schedule for that day.
It paid off. Roemer said most of the questions he's been asked he prepared for in the lead up to the combine. But how did he sound like himself when he had rehearsed?
"It still just comes from the heart," he said. "It's your past experiences. It's what you've done in your life. There should be no buffer in what you're saying it should always be pure and natural."
Past experiences, like being suspended indefinitely from the San Diego State Aztecs last season.
Another question about it and he answers the question. Roemer explains he doesn't get asked why or how as much as he is asked to tell the whole story. Again and again. Through formal meetings, he's met with the Eagles, and many informal ones so far.
He will tell the teams. And just the teams.
"When I did my interview prep I told them that I would tell any team that's willing to talk to me that I would tell them personally because I don't feel like it is something that needs to be discussed publicly."
It wasn't a failed drug test he said. In fact, he explained no one in the media has correctly guessed why he was suspended with two games left and ultimately removed from the Aztecs roster.
"It was just a difference of opinion with my coach," he said simply.
Another question, this time about the incident and moving towards NFL football. It was behind him the moment he left he said.
Finally, football.
When quizzed about his abilities, Roemer explained he knows what he needs to work on already as he tries to prove himself worthy of a selection in just over a month's time. He mentioned defending inside rushers and making sure his pass sets are at the right depth.
Roemer played high school football, obviously, but he also wrestled, swam, and played basketball. He credited those things making him successful as a blocker. The multiple schemes SDSU runs helped too, he says. Gap schemes. Zone and power. They opened his eyes to something some tackles in this draft don't or can't enjoy.
"Running the ball, there's nothing like it," he said. "It's probably the best part of the game. It really takes kind of an animal. There's a switch that you have to flip. You have to change from your social mindset to your work mindset and really just dominate on the field. It takes a character to do that."
Another football question. This time a chance to sell Tyler the tackle. What are one of these 32 NFL teams getting when they turn in a card with his name on it?
"They're getting the best player. The best offensive tackle in the draft I believe."
It's almost a challenge.
"I think I have the ability to do it and it's on them if they want to take that chance."
The next question is still about Tyler, but not Tyler the tackle. The blocking-loving mauler who can flip a switch in various styles of offense to get his job done.
This question is about Tyler Roemer. Just him. Not football. What did he want people to know about him outside of football?
"I'm a good person," he said.
It isn't pleading. It's the same confidence when he was asked about his on-field ability. He explains the interviews are finished so quick he hopes people start to understand him. He explains an Eagles fan, his only formal visit in the first couple of days was with Philadelphia, has been a fan of his and conversing with him. The fan's daughter has a rare disease. Roemer pulls back his sleeves showing off a bracelet from the daughter. Just to show some support for them he said.
As for him, he mentioned the interviews have to come from the heart. No surprise a 6 feet 6 inches tall, 312 pound man has a big heart. But he isn't talking about the actual dimensions in his chest.
"For the people who think that I have a bad character. I'm a good person. I have a large heart. I love my family. People don't take the time to get to know another person like they should."
Time's up as fast for the media as it is for the teams. The interview session is over. It's off to more football. And interviews. Likely about Tyler the tackle, but hopefully about Tyler Roemer.
I'm tellin y'all, his rotational strength is mighty impressive. He's tossing dudes left and right. Nice hand placement and grip strength displayed here too. pic.twitter.com/hdZRQEFzhG
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) February 14, 2019
Nice communication and mental processing displayed by Tyler Roemer here. Notices the DE signal the blitz, communicates it with the LG and once the ball is snapped, he easily picks up the blitz. pic.twitter.com/QKqYJxgah6
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) February 14, 2019
Love how Roemer fires out of his stance with force through the ground. Strong inside hand allows him to initially widen the DE before vertical displacing the DE. Roemer impressive grip strength to sustain blocks when he can get a clean latch. pic.twitter.com/8de6EXY7Gc
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) February 14, 2019
One of the big factors that led to the Texans' loss to the Jaguars on Sunday was the secondary. Multiple flags for pass interference gave Jacksonville more opportunities to pick up first downs and score points.
Can confirm #Texans backup CB Shaq Griffin was cut.
Griffin started 6 games this year when Derek Stingley was out with a hamstring.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) November 29, 2023
So it's no surprise that DeMeco Ryans is making some changes to his defense this week. According to several reports, Texans corner Shaq Griffin has been cut.
Nickel corner Tavierre Thomas was flagged for PI more than once on Sunday, and was burned badly by Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for a touchdown.
DeMeco was asked after the game if he considered replacing Thomas with Desmond King or Shaq Griffin. Ryans didn't give a definitive answer, but it looks like we got one today.
One has to wonder if Desmond Kings' experience playing nickel was the reason for his promotion to the active roster and why Griffin was released. If Thomas continues to struggle, King looks like the next man up to replace him.
#Texans activate Denzel Perryman, promote Desmond King to active roster, release Shaq Griffin, sign Matt Ammendola and Garret Wallow to practice squad, released Gerrid Doaks from practice squad and placed Tytus Howard (knee-patellar tendon surgery pending) on injured reserve https://t.co/knyyoqo7yC
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 29, 2023
The Texans also made some other adjustments to their roster on Wednesday, per Aaron Wilson. Linebacker Denzel Perryman returns from suspension, kicker Matt Ammendola and linebacker Garret Wallow join the practice squad. They also released Gerrid Doaks from the practice squad.
The other big piece of news involves left guard Tytus Howard. He heads to injured reserve, ending his season after hurting his knee against Jacksonville.