One week ago, the 2019 NFL draft was kicked off with the Arizona Cardinals’ selection of quarterback Kyler Murray as the top overall pick. Over the ensuing seven rounds, 254 players heard their names called — ten of which because they had been selected by the New England Patriots. All of them spoke to the media shortly after becoming the latest members of the reigning world champions, and shared their feelings on getting picked.

Let’s find out what they had to say when asked about their reactions.

WR N’Keal Harry

It was so surreal, especially for me, waiting that long and getting to the end of the first round. I was honestly starting to think maybe I had to start getting ready for Day 2. So, when I got that call, I tried not to be emotional, but I couldn’t really hold it back at that point. I just felt so blessed, I was so thankful for the Patriots organization. I was just thanking God and I’m just ready to get to work. I was with my family. We actually rented out a house in Scottsdale, so a lot of my family was here. They actually got their visas not too long ago, so they flew in last week. A lot of my friends were here — you know, people that have just been by my side since Day 1. So, it was an extremely special moment for all of us. [...] I would say close to 50, 50-60 people.

CB Joejuan Williams

I was in the green room watching it with my family. [...] I’m just very excited. It’s so special, it’s so special to be drafted in my hometown, where I grew up, where I went to school. I just want to represent for where I stay, I want to represent for the 615 and that’s something I plan on doing, bringing it up to Boston, bringing it up to Foxborough.

DE Chase Winovich

I’m speechless. It’s a great honor and I’m just very lucky. I’m feeling very blessed, surrounded by my closest family and friends, so it’s a very lucky position I’m in, very blessed.

RB Damien Harris

It was a dream come true. I’ve been waiting on this moment for I don’t even know how long, since I first picked up a football, and just to be in this moment, be with my family, my friends, everyone that’s supported me is unbelievable — an unbelievable experience.

OT Yodny Cajuste

I was very excited. Words can’t explain how excited I felt when I got that call. I’m just blessed to be a Patriot right now.

OG Hjalte Froholdt

It’s extremely unrealistic [to make the NFL]. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, one that really came to reality a couple of years ago when I thought I could do this. But I’m so excited and thankful for this opportunity. It still hasn’t really hit me yet. But I’m really grateful.

QB Jarrett Stidham

I’m extremely excited. Obviously, New England has won a bunch of Super Bowls in recent history and Coach [Bill] Belichick is obviously one of the brightest minds in football, so just being able to be a part of what Mr. Kraft is doing in the organization, what Coach Belichick is doing in the organization, I’m so fired up and ready to get to work and be a part of a great organization.

DE Byron Cowart

It was just a sigh of relief. My mother was excited. It’s just a little weight off my shoulders now because I’ve got another opportunity to live my dreams. It’s definitely a little bit of relief. [...] I’m just happy to have a dream, and to be able to accomplish that is a relief. A lot of people have dreams and they’re not able to achieve them. So, for this to be one of my dreams, and one of my highest dreams — I’m in an organization that I always wanted to be in, playing Madden and being around it. To be a part of it now, that was just a sigh of relief.

P Jake Bailey

I’m just so happy that I saw my name come across the TV.

CB Ken Webster