INDIANAPOLIS —Tackle Jackson Barton, the Indianapolis Colts' seventh-round (240th-overall) pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, held his first media conference call on Saturday. What did he have to say about his game?
I'm sure you know there is a lot of toughness on this offensive line. How big of a part of your game is that?
"It has to be. If you're an offensive lineman you have to be tough. So I really attribute that to the past couple years working on my toughness in this game, but I feel like it's paid off and I am just reaping the rewards right now man. I am really excited to get out there with my future teammates."
Most of your experience is on the left side of the line. What is your comfort with the right side or are you mainly just going to stick with the left tackle position?
"No, my offensive line coach at Utah did a really good job of making sure I could do both sides. So I have been working at the right side a lot. I played a little bit of right side my sophomore year as well. So I can play both sides."
Had the Colts shown a lot of interest?
"They showed some. I talked to them a little bit, but I was really surprised when they picked me. I didn't know they were really that much interested with me, but I'm just grateful they were."
Did you start at left tackle the last two years?
"Yes, I did."
Do you know Quenton Nelson at all?
"I know about him. I have never met him before though."
What were your thoughts on his rookie season and just watching him on film if you have?
"Yes, I watched film on him when he was at Notre Dame because they played a couple teams in the Pac-12. So it was really fun to watch him and see what he did against other Pac-12 schools."
The Colts brought back Howard Mudd this offseason. Are you familiar with the weight he carries around the league?
"Yeah, I know a little bit of it. But I'm just saying I'm really excited for this opportunity."
Did you expect to be drafted earlier? What were your thoughts coming into today?
"I knew it was going to be on the third day. You know what? Everybody was going to be liked a little earlier, but for me, I wanted an opportunity to go play football somewhere."
