Quarterbacks love having a big, physical receiver who can come down with big catches regardless of how covered they may be. If your favorite team is looking for that kind of pass-catcher in the 2020 NFL draft, Georgia’s Lawrence Cager is the man for the job.
Cager recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, the transition from Miami to Georgia via transfer, and why a team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: When I put the tape on you, I personally felt that there was a big difference in your play speed and focus in 2019 as you transferred from Miami to Georgia. What changed for you?
LC: It was really just my work ethic. I went back to some of my old habits and routines that I had as a freshmen and as a sophomore. I got a little complacent in 2018. I had to make myself a little uncomfortable in order to work harder.
JM: What was the transition from Miami to Georgia like for you?
LC: It was pretty smooth. Our offensive coordinator at Georgia last year, coach [James] Coley was my offensive coordinator during my freshmen year at Miami. A lot of the verbiage was familiar to me. It wasn’t too big of a transition. The training style at Georgia was definitely different from Miami. Other than that, it was a smooth transition.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
LC: It was a good experience. I had a lot of meetings. I can definitely see how it can get a little overwhelming for some people. I had a good feel for what I was up against going in. I had an injury so I knew that would come up a lot in the meetings and it did. I went in with the right mindset. It was a good experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I was blessed to participate.
JM: Where are you with the injury right now?
LC: I’m fully recovered. I’m training right now. I’m ready to roll. If I get drafted or brought in as an un-drafted free agent, I’ll be ready to take advantage of my opportunity.
JM: You said you had a lot of meetings at the combine. Were those formal or informal?
LC: I had a lot of meetings. The medicals take up a lot of time as well. There was definitely a lot going on.
JM: Who are some of the teams that you met with?
LC: I didn’t have any formal interviews, but I met informally with every single team except for the New England Patriots.
JM: I know that the outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted your private visit and workout schedule, but were you able to get any meetings in before the shutdown?
LC: I had a couple of things scheduled. I actually had a meeting with the New York Jets. They came down here to Athens and we had a meeting. We talked football. I actually had another meeting with the Jets scheduled but I don’t think that’s taking place anymore because of the outbreak. I had a few others scheduled as well. I was supposed to meet with the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions. Everything is being held back right now. Hopefully we can get back to normalcy soon.
JM: How would you describe the way that you play the wide receiver position?
LC: I play a physical brand of football. I definitely play with a chip on my shoulder. People are still sleeping on me even though I had a good year at Georgia. I feel like a lot of people don’t think I’m the player that I’m supposed to be and that definitely motivates me to get better every day. I’m a physical receiver with a chip on my shoulder. I’m gonna give it 110% on every play.
JM: Do you attack a smaller cornerback differently than you do a bigger one?
LC: Yeah, I do. It would be naive of me to say that I attack every corner the same way. Those smaller corners, they’re usually of the quicker variety. I try to work them a little bit. With a big corner, they’re usually more physical. If you’re able to get past those guys, you’ve won the rep. There’s definitely different ways to play different types of corners.
JM: Who are some of the best corners you’ve ever gone up against?
LC: I played against Jalen Ramsey. He immediately comes to mind. Artie Burns was another one. CJ Henderson is a good one. I practiced against this guy at Georgia, Eric Stokes. He’s gonna be a good player.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Lawrence Cager?
LC: No matter who I’m playing against, I’m gonna come with the same mentality. That’s the kinda player I am. I’m gonna play my game and come correct. I’m gonna come to work every day ready and willing. I’m gonna try to outwork everybody out there. It doesn’t matter if I’m a first round pick or an un-drafted free agent, I’m gonna be the hardest worker in the building.
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