2019 NFL draft: Introducing Dax Raymond, the tight end that’s ready to make an immediate impact

Utah State may not be a powerhouse program when it comes to sending talent to the next level, but they have an intriguing 2019 NFL draft prospect in the form of tight end Dax Raymond.

Raymond’s excellent size and catch radius are exactly why NFL teams will be clamoring for his services in the 2019 NFL draft.

Raymond recently spoke exclusively with MCM about his experience at the combine, why he loves playing tight end and how a two year stint in Russia changed his life.

JM: How would you grade your overall performance at the combine?

DR: I thought I did pretty well. As deep as this tight end class is, I wasn’t expecting to put up the best numbers in all of the drills. I feel like I showed really well in the movement drills. I ran good routes and I displayed good hands. I caught the ball well. I don’t think I could have done any better in that area. I felt that my interviews went well also. I thought I showed my maturity and leadership ability. I’m a good teammate and team player. I left the combine thrilled with my performance.

JM: Is there anything you’re looking to improve on at your pro day?

DR: I just wanna be consistent. I wanna catch the ball as well as I did at the combine. I wanna continue to display smooth route running and strong hands at the catch point. I’m gonna try to improve my result in the bench press. I broke my hand 4 months ago and most of the coaches knew that. That hurt me with my result in the bench. I’ll try to get in a couple of more reps there and show the teams that I’m stronger than my bench results may indicate.

JM: Did you have a lot of formal or informal meetings down there?

DR: Yeah, I did. I had a ton of both actually. I feel like I’ve met with every single team in some capacity between the senior bowl and the combine. I actually can’t think of a team I haven’t interviewed with at some point.

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing tight end?

DR: I love playing tight end because you’re involved in every kind of play. During a pass play, I could be running a route and getting the ball thrown my way. I love running routes and catching the ball. That’s the receiver aspect to our game. On the next play, I might be lined up right next to the offensive tackle and helping them execute in the run game. You’re involved in every kind of play on offense. That’s what makes it so much fun and such a special position to play. It’s so unique in that sense.

JM: Is there an NFL quarterback that you’d love to catch a pass from?

DR: I’d love to catch a ball from any NFL quarterback (laughs). That’s gonna be surreal. If I had to name someone, I’m amazed at how Aaron Rodgers throws the ball. The way it comes outta his hands is just special. It would probably be an awesome experience to catch a ball from him (laughs).

You served a two year LDS church mission in Russia. What was that like?

DR: That was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I can use that mission and apply the values and experiences to every day of my life. That mission helped me become a better man. Those experiences help me each and every day going forward. Living in Russia, I don’t even know how to put that in words. Living there for two years and learning the language, learning the culture and serving as hard as I could, it was life changing. That two year mission molded me into who I am today.

JM: That’s truly incredible. In closing, what kind of man is a team getting when they draft Dax Raymond?

DR: I feel like they’re getting a positive and loyal teammate. I’m gonna be thrilled to be apart of whichever organization drafts me. I’m gonna instantly become a fan of the team I’m with and I’m gonna be the best teammate possible. I’ll be the greatest team player I can possibly be. I love the game of football. Football truly is family. My teammates are my brothers. They’re gonna get somebody that’s gonna bring a positive attitude and happiness to the team. I’m willing to help in any way that I can.