Mayo checks in

Some of the Q&A with Patriots first-round pick Jerod Mayo:

On if he was surprised that it was the Patriots who picked him at No. 10
"I definitely was surprised. This is a winning organization and even for them to have a pick this high really surprised me. I’m just overwhelmed and I’m ready to get to New England and play for a great coach and a great team."

On when he thought the Patriots would pick him:
"I had a great visit when I came down there. The coaches and I sat down and talked football for a long time. Like I said I felt like we had a great visit and we clicked. I'm just excited, man. I can't even explain. I just got drafted. I'm excited. I'm pretty much speechless."

On going to a winning organization:
"It's like a dream come true. You don't expect a team that only lost one game last year to have a top 10 pick, but at the same time they were winning before me and they'll be winning even if I'm not there. I just want to come in and make a contribution and learn from some of the greats at the position."

On going to a team with such a strong linebacker tradition:
"I can't help to be good, as long as I listen and take notes and learn from a great coach, a great coaching staff and great guys like Junior Seau, Tedy Bruschi and all those guys. I'm just going to be like a sponge and try to take in as much as possible."