Joe Staley

  (1:31 PM)

Hey everyone, thanks for having me on here!

Dave H., Flint. MI

Five years ago you were a tight end and despised playing on the offensive line. Now you are a sure-fire first day pick. What or who do you owe this change of mind and heart to?

Joe Staley

  (1:32 PM)

I think a lot of that goes to Coach Longo, our strength coach, and Jeff Quinn, our position coach. Those guys mentored me throughout my career.

Nate (Pleasant Ridge, MI)

As a player from the MAC confernece, do you feel that there is a lot of underrated talent not exposed, that has NFL potential in the MAC?

Joe Staley

  (1:33 PM)

Totally. I think a lot of the MAC talent is underappreciated. It's definitely on the rise. A lot of people who come out of the MAC have success in the NFL. Just because we don't always play in the BCs schools doesn't mean we're not talented.

KDUBHOLLA, Rockford, MI

Long time fan, first time chatter!! Joe, what are the top five advantages of being 6'6' 310 pounds and with feet like lightning bolts?

Joe Staley

  (1:34 PM)

Well, I've always been athletic and with quick feet, and being able to use that athleticism to chase down linebackers has always been a big advantage.

Sunjay (Ann Arbor)

Hey Joe, best of luck in the NFL. What was it like at CMU going up against LaMarr Woodley and Alan Branch of Michigan early in the year? Both are very good prospects for this draft.

Joe Staley

  (1:36 PM)

Michigan was the team I circled on my schedule this year that I really had to play well against. I played against LaMarr about half the time, and I think I played pretty well against him. He's definitely a good player.

Mike (Flushing, MI)

Hi Joe! Like you, I am also a former Central Michigan grad. What did you take away from your time as a Chip that might prepare you for a successful pro career? Have you, Dan Bazuin, and Drew Mormino chatted at all about your futures in the NFL? What do you think of CMU's chances to repeat as MAC champs next year? (Might be tough without you!) Thanks and good luck in the upcoming draft!

Joe Staley

  (1:37 PM)

I'm roommates with Drew and I talk to Dan all the time. We're just excited to play at this next level. Central definitely has a lot of talent on their squad for next year and I'll definitely look for them to repeat. One of the things I'll take from Central is how hard you have to work to get where you want to be. We never had anything given to us.

Alan (ATL)

Have you been in contact at all with former Central Michigan players currently in the NFL? What advice are they giving you?

Joe Staley

  (1:38 PM)

I've talked to Adam Keith, and I also talked briefly with Brad Kateras. They said to work hard, but enjoy the process and don't put too much pressure on yourself. I talked a lot about expectations as a rookie coming in.

Sunjay (Ann Arbor)

Hey Joe, when is your pro day workout? Are you going to do much of the drills, or stick with your numbers from the combine?

Joe Staley

  (1:39 PM)

My workout day is the 15th of March. I'll be running everything since my hamstring was hurt at the combine.

Bob Garcia, Mt. Pleasant, MI

How much fun are you having with the process right now? Do you have the time to enjoy the fact that you are going to have another amazing opportunity in a couple months?

Joe Staley

  (1:40 PM)

It's definitely exciting, for myself, my friends, and my family. I'm working out right now, so I have some downtime and time to reflect on where I am and where I'll be.

Aaron (Kansas City, MO)

Joe I graduated from CMU in 05 and always like watching you play. In the local KC papers there has been talks of the Chiefs drafting you. Any thoughts on playing at the famous Arrowhead stadium? We have great bbq in KC!

Joe Staley

  (1:40 PM)

I think that'd be excellent. I know I've talked to KC a lot, and they've actually scheduled a private workout. They're a team that's interested, and I'd love to play for them.

Kyle: Allstate, MI

Long time fan, first time chatter!! I heard your dad was a track star in high school is that where your got you quick feet?

Joe Staley

  (1:41 PM)

Nope, I was a track guy in high school. That kind of carried over to college.

Greg (Washington, DC)

How good a coach is Brian Kelly, and do you think he should get a chance as a head coach in the NFL? Do you think he will get a chance?

Joe Staley

  (1:42 PM)

Coach Kelly is a great coach and great motivator. He should do great things at Cincinnatti. He's a great coach and will do great things.

John Richmond

Any thoughts on how high you might go?

Joe Staley

  (1:43 PM)

Right now, I wanna go first-round. That's basically what I've been hearing.

Mike (Rockford, MI)

Congrats on 2006. Seeing as though you are a fast player, and drive blocking isn't your strength, could you see yourself moving back to tight end in the NFL? Fire up Chips!

Joe Staley

  (1:43 PM)

No, everybody I've been talking to has me playing tackle for them. Having said that, I'll play any position the coaches ask me to play.

Mark H. (Bowling Green, OH)

What NFL defensive ends are you most looking forward to playing against? Julius Peppers? Dwight Freeney? Michael Strahan?

Joe Staley

  (1:44 PM)

I'd love a chance to play against any of those guys. I'd love to take Dwight Freeney, just because of how fast and athletic he is.

Matthew (Mount pleasant, MI)

Joe, Are there any particular teams that are looking at you, or that your wanting to go? Congrats on everything thus far!

Joe Staley

  (1:45 PM)

Right now there are no real teams that are a real favorite, but the teams that have shown the most interest are the Chiefs, Dolphins, Bears, Lions, Giants, and the Jets.

sean newington CT

how do u think ull do in the NFL?

Joe Staley

  (1:47 PM)

My goals are going in are to have an impact on any team that drafts me. I want to be someone who contributes to a winning season and winning a championship. I'll set my goals up from there.

Bob (Mount Pleasant, MI)

Who was the best player you had to block in your career?

Joe Staley

  (1:47 PM)

I'd say defensive end Dan Bazuin. He's one of the main reasons I've developed as I did, going up against him every year.

Brandon (Factoryville, PA)

Any nicknames?

Joe Staley

  (1:48 PM)

My roommate calls me Big Train, but that's about it.

Joe Staley

  (1:48 PM)

Appreciate the support everyone!