Name: Dillon Salva
School: Merrimack College
Position: Tight End
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 255
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
My style of play is Physical, Mentally Tough, and Athletic. When I block, my goal is to put the defender on the ground every play. My mentality is to beat my guy every play all game until he quits. My athleticism is what helps me out in every aspect of my game.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I’ll train this offseason which is right now, just like I have my whole life. I’m going to train 5-6 days a week full go, full effort. Every day will include combine/pro day specific training along with intense conditioning and weight lifting. My weekly workouts will include field work such as route running and pass catching along with my run game technique. Diet is key too along with all the training.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
When studying film, I watch every guy I can possibly go against in the run and pass game. I look at their strengths and weaknesses as well as their technique to see if there’s anything I can use to my advantage.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I think what really separates me from other players at my position is that in this day and age in the NFL there’s not too many Tight Ends who can be utilized in the run and pass game. Nowadays, mostly every Tight End is strictly a blocking or receiving Tight End.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths I can bring to a team is the fact that I’m raw at the game of football for a Tight End. I’ve only played 3 years of Tight End in my life and the strides I’ve made each year at the position have been huge each year. I feel I’m nowhere close to as good as I can be, which is good because I can learn and take everything in and get so much better year after year. Also, I love the game and I’m always a great teammate who brings positive energy on and off the field. I feel I can be a positive person in every way to add to an organization.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
My final words to every organization out there is that you’ll get the same player day in and day out. A passionate player who loves the game of football and plays for pride and the meaning of the name on the back and front of his jersey, whichever team that may be. Coming from a small school only gives me more of a drive and work ethic because I have nothing to lose in this process and everything to gain. I’ve wanted to play in the NFL since the 5th grade and now that it’s in reach, it only makes me work harder each day. Lastly, if there’s any doubt about me in any one of the 32 NFL teams eyes because the competition I faced in college wasn’t the “Best of the best” then give me a shot to go against the “Best of the best” and you’ll quickly lose that doubt.