2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: DJ Ryan, LB, Queen’s University

• Name: DJ Ryan
• Position: LB
• College: Queen’s University
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Twitter: DJRyanLB
• Instagram: djryan54

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect is my combination of size, strength, physicality, and my ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game. I am a consistent force on special teams and take pride in getting down the field with speed and physicality. I’m a player who takes advantage of the opportunities that are presented to me. I’m confident in my ability to stop the run, take on offensive linemen, and make plays around the football. I also believe my work ethic and willingness to learn are big parts of what I can bring to the next level.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was leaving New Brunswick to pursue an opportunity at Queen’s. I was leaving my family, my best friends, and the community I had grown up in to move across the country and chase an opportunity that I knew could help me grow as both a person and a football player.

The hardest part wasn’t the football. It was being away from the people I cared about and starting over in a place where I didn’t know anyone. There were definitely times when I missed home and the people I had grown up with.

I responded by fully buying into the opportunity in front of me. I stayed true to who I was, built new relationships, and continued to put my head down and work. I knew that if I was going to make the sacrifice of leaving home, I wanted to make the most of the opportunity.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It taught me that sometimes you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone and make sacrifices to pursue something bigger. It made me a better football player, but more importantly, it helped me grow as a person and appreciate where I came from even more.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

I enjoy taking care of my body, working out, being outdoors, and helping other athletes develop. During my third- and fourth-year Christmas breaks, I ran football development camps where I was able to work with younger athletes. I also help young football players start their weight-room and training journeys and try to set them up for success. I’ve also helped coach athletes at my former high school.

Outside of football, I love golfing, fishing, and spending time outdoors, especially when I’m back on the East Coast.

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

I see myself making a significant impact on special teams while continuing to develop as a linebacker. I want to bring the skills and experience I’ve gained at Queen’s and quickly learn the new techniques and expectations at the professional level. My goal is to contribute every time I’m on the field and earn more opportunities as I continue to develop.

I also want to be someone who brings a positive attitude to the locker room and contributes to the team both on and off the field.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to a cause working to end world hunger. I believe food security is a right and that access to nutritious food is one of the first steps toward better health and opportunity for people and communities.

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I handle coaching extremely well. I actually enjoy being coached because I know there is always something I can improve. Whether it’s during a drill, in the meeting room, or watching film, I try to apply exactly what my coaches are asking from me.

If I’m corrected repeatedly, I don’t take it personally. I look at it as an opportunity to understand what I’m doing wrong and find a way to fix it. I want to be coached hard because I know that is how I’m going to continue improving every day.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate at Queen’s would have to be Alex Hurst. He is a strong, physical, and agile offensive lineman who I’ve lined up against for four years, and he always has a presence on the field.

He is constantly working on his skills and improving every practice. Going against him every day has made me a better player, and I think he deserves a lot more recognition for the work he puts in.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?

Tom Brady: I was a fan of his throughout his entire career, and I really admire his work ethic and passion for the process of football. I’d want to hear how he approached the game for so many years and how he continued to push himself even after accomplishing so much. His knowledge and experience would be incredible to learn from.

My grandfather Gabriel Lapointe: He passed away when I was very young, and I’ve been told that I’m very similar to him and that we share a lot of the same hobbies. I would be extremely grateful for the opportunity to sit down with him and learn more about his life, his experiences, and who he was as a person.

My grandfather Leonard Ryan: He passed away before I was born and served in the military during the Korean War. I would love the opportunity to hear his stories firsthand and learn about his experiences, his time in the military, and the life lessons he took from it.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?

If I was benched tomorrow, it would most likely be because I wasn’t playing up to the standard I hold myself to. I have high expectations for myself, and I expect to give my best every time I step on the field. If I wasn’t meeting those expectations, I would want to know why, take the coaching, and do everything I could to earn my opportunity back.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine.

The night before the game, I like to do a full-body stretch and go through our game preparation. I want to make sure I understand what we’re trying to accomplish on defence and special teams and visualize myself executing it before I step on the field.

On game day, I’ll stretch for about 15 minutes and do some band work for activation before putting on my gear and going through the team’s full dynamic warm-up. After warmups and before kickoff, I like to stay calm and collected and make sure I’m mentally locked in.

I also prefer having a speaker playing in the locker room rather than listening to music through headphones. I like the energy of the locker room and being around my teammates before we go out and play.

What is your favorite snack food?

Fresh fruit.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I think I fit best in a scheme where expectations are clearly communicated and players understand exactly what is required of them. I value a defense built on communication, trust, and physicality.

I also like a scheme that allows coaches to teach their technique while giving players the opportunity to play to their strengths. I think when players understand their responsibilities and trust the people around them, that’s when a defense can play fast and physical.

What is your degree in?

Health Studies.

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?

I would take my parents and my sister on a vacation to Europe. They’ve supported me throughout my entire football journey, so being able to give them an experience like that would mean a lot to me.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back.

In 2025, I received a roughing-the-kicker penalty after getting cut-blocked by the up backs on punt. I took the penalty, went to the sideline, and got coached up on what I could have done differently.

Later in the game, I was in a similar situation and adjusted my angle based on what I had learned. I was able to get much closer to the punt and nearly blocked it, getting a hand on the ball. That was a good reminder that mistakes are going to happen, but how you respond to them is what matters. I took the coaching, adjusted, and gave myself a better opportunity to make the play the next time.

Name three songs we can expect on your playlist.

• “Buy Myself a Chance” — Randy Rogers Band
• “Fear and Fridays” — Zach Bryan
• “Guitar Town” — Steve Earle