With their first of two seventh round picks, the Vikings selected Pen State TE 
Q: How do you feel about coming to Minnesota?
A: It’s a great feeling. I couldn’t be more excited to get a chance to play in the NFL and go to a team like Minnesota with great players – legends like
Q: Would your dad (two-time Pro Bowler former NFL tight end Mickey Shuler) have thrown you out of the house if you didn’t become a football star?
A: No. (Laughter) A lot of people ask if he really pushed me, but he just really encouraged me to do what I wanted to do and play sports. He really helped me through the whole process, and anything I needed to learn from him or anything I needed to ask him about any situation, whether it was just life, or on the football field. He was able to answer it the best he could, and usually it worked.
Q: Are your strengths as a player more in the run game or the pass game?
A: I do both. At Penn State, I wasn’t used to my strength as much as I should have been as far as receiving. But, I came a long way in the blocking end up at Penn State. The receiving end is kind of more natural to me. That’s one part of my game that I’m comfortable with. Blocking is also a strength. I’m like that old school tight end, kind of like my dad, who can do both. I’m looking forward to going in there and trying to contribute in any way I can, whether I can go in motion and block or go catch a first down. I can do a little bit of everything.
Q: When you look at this offense and the way they use their tight ends, is that a good fit for you?
A: Yes. I really couldn’t have picked much better a situation. They’ve got a couple good tight ends in (Visanthe) Shiancoe. They definitely use their tight ends a lot and open up the offense, and when you have a running back like Adrian Peterson, that really makes a defense play honest. That opens up your passing game, and when you have some tight ends that can get down the middle and some good receivers, that’s a recipe for a great offense.
Q: As a seventh round pick, why do you think you’re going to be able to make the NFL?
A: I’m a hard worker. I don’t take “no” for an answer. It’s been a dream my whole life, to make the NFL. It’s a start to a new beginning. It was a long process to get here, but now I’m at the bottom of the mountain and I’ve got to climb to the top. I’m ready to go in there, compete and I’m going to do my job. Whatever they ask me, special teams, I’m all for it. I’m going to do whatever I can to get out on the field. I’m a competitor, a hard working guy. I’m going to keep my nose clean and do what I’m told. If you do that, things can’t go wrong for you.
