Green Bay Packers: Q & A with Packers UDFA Filipo Mokofisi
Green Bay Packers undrafted free agent defensive tackle Filipo Mokofisi had never been to Green Bay before last weekend’s rookie minicamp, but he’s hoping to make it his home over the next several years. Mokofisi was kind enough to indulge me in his NFL experience so far and what it means to be a Packer.
At Utah, Mokofisi was a three-year starter and was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention for consecutive seasons. Playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, the Utah native knew he would get his shot on the next level even if he wasn’t drafted this past April.
Mokofisi had a productive college career totaling 107 tackles, 17 for loss, and 10 sacks.
Hoping to prove himself amongst an already stacked Green Bay Packers‘ defensive line, the former Ute knows it won’t be easy to make the roster. However, he’s up for the challenge as he revealed in this Q&A with Dairyland Express.
DL Filipo Mokofisi from Utah could stop the run and rush the passer, as he had 20 total pressures and 16 run stops in 2017.
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) April 30, 2018
Q: How did you find out the Packers were interested in you? Who contacted you and what did they say?
A: Found out Day 3 of the draft when the defensive line coach contacted me. Coach (Jerry) Montgomery, saying they were looking to grab me later in the draft.
Q: Unfortunately, you were not drafted but as an undrafted free agent you got to choose where you sign. What made you choose Green Bay?
A: Great culture here, they know how to win, great town.
Q: How does it feel to be a Green Bay Packer and play in the NFL?
A: So far it’s been amazing. I got tons to work on but I’m excited to progress and see where it takes me.
Q: What coaches have you interacted with?
A: Only spoke with Coach Montgomery so far.
Q: What are you looking forward to most for the upcoming season?
A: I’m looking forward to seeing if I can help contribute to this team! I’m absolutely grateful for them giving me an opportunity.
Q: What can you bring to this organization to help win games?
A: I believe I bring versatility with me. I feel like I can play where they want to put me and hopefully help contribute to this team’s success.
The last few days marked the first time coaches could see rookies in action and head coach Mike McCarthy was excited for his younger guys.
“You’ve got every young man sitting on the edge of their seat,” McCarthy said right before Friday’s practice. “This is a great opportunity for these guys, and they realize it.”
Next: 10 remaining free agents who could help the Packers
The Packers are using this part of the offseason to build the most competitive 90-man roster as they get ready for training camp. Green Bay’s rookies and try out players will not be joined by veterans until OTAs officially begins May 21. Like Mokofisi, they all hope to stick around for as long as possible.