What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?
I bring size, physicality, and a willingness to compete. At 6’4” and 275 pounds, I have the build to compete on the defensive line, and I understand that success at this level takes more than physical ability. My journey through college football has taught me resilience, discipline, and how to keep working through adversity. I’m committed to continuing to develop my technique, improving my game, and proving that I can contribute at the next level.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded.
My college football journey has taught me that things don’t always go according to plan. I’ve had to deal with setbacks and continue working toward my goals even when the road wasn’t easy. Instead of letting those challenges stop me, I’ve used them as motivation to keep improving. They’ve taught me patience, accountability, and the importance of staying committed to what I want to accomplish.
What are your hobbies outside of football?
Outside of football, I enjoy spending time with my children and family. Being a father gives me extra motivation and reminds me why I’m working toward my goals. I also enjoy listening to music and relaxing when I have time away from the game. What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?
I see myself coming in ready to compete, learn the system, and earn my role. I want to be a dependable defensive lineman who plays physical, executes his assignments, and helps the team get stops. I’m willing to learn from the veterans, take coaching, and do whatever is needed to help the team succeed.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to organizations that support children who grow up without enough resources or opportunities. I believe every child deserves a chance to succeed, access to positive role models, and people who believe in them. I’d want to help give those children opportunities to build a better future.
How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?
I understand that coaching is part of becoming a better player. If a coach corrects me repeatedly, I take it as a sign that there’s something I need to improve. I listen, apply what I’m being taught, and work to make the correction show up on the field. I don’t take constructive criticism personally because my goal is to keep getting better. Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
I would say Javarious SherrrodI believe he has the right size and the potential to be a great asset to the team. He has areas where he can continue to improve, especially with his hand technique, but I believe he has a lot to offer. With continued work and development, I think he can become an even bigger contributor.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?
The most likely reason would be that I wasn’t executing my assignments consistently enough or that I needed to improve in a particular area of my game. I would take accountability, listen to the coaches, and put in the work to correct whatever needed to be fixed. I believe your response to adversity says a lot about you, and I would use it as motivation to earn my role back.
Walk me through your typical pre-game routine.
My routine is about getting mentally and physically prepared to compete. I listen to music, get focused, go through my warmups, and make sure I’m locked in on the game plan. Once it’s time to play, I want to be mentally ready, play physical, execute my assignments, and give everything I have for my team. What is your favorite snack food?
Sunflower seeds. They’re my go-to snack.
What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?
I feel I fit best in a defensive scheme that allows me to play physical, attack up front, and use my size and strength to help disrupt the offense. I’m comfortable continuing to learn and develop within different defensive systems, and I want to be the type of defensive lineman who can adjust to the coaching staff’s expectations and contribute wherever I’m needed.
What is your degree in?
My major is General Studies. What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?
The first thing I would focus on is taking care of my children and making sure my family has more financial stability. Making it to the NFL would be a major accomplishment, and I would want to use that opportunity responsibly to build a better future for my family.
Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back.
There was a game where I jumped offsides twice in the red zone. I knew those mistakes could hurt my team, so I had to refocus and make sure I didn’t let them affect the rest of my performance. I responded by making a forced fumble that helped seal the game for us. That experience reminded me that accountability is important, but so is having the short memory to move forward, stay focused, and make the next play when your team needs you.
Name three songs we can expect on your playlist.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
