NFL Draft Diamonds

NFL Draft, NFL Trade Rumors, Scouting Reports & More

2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daniel Hocevar, OL, University of Guelph

Daniel Hocevar the mauling offensive lineman from the University of Guelph recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: Daniel Hocevar
  • Position: Offensive Line
  • College: University of Guelph
  • Height: 6’4”
  • Weight: 295lbs
  • Instagram: danno.hocevar

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft

I consider myself to be a versatile lineman who is athletic enough to block the fastest edge rushers at tackle and is still strong enough to dominate on the inside at guard as well. I have started at both guard and tackle throughout my university career and have matched up very well against opponents at either position. Although my height is fairly average, my 6’9” wingspan and athleticism more than make up for it when going up against taller opponents.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I take great pride in my work towards becoming a better version of myself in all walks of life. I never go into things without giving it my absolute best effort. 

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

I would donate to the Salvation Army to help feed hungry children. No child should have to go hungry or worry about how they are going to get their next meal.

Who was your role model? 

Growing up I had many role models, but the person that made the biggest impact on my life outside of my parents would have to be my Oline coach from high school. He believed in me more than I believed in myself, and continuously preached the mindset of getting better every day saying, “if you not getting better, you’re getting worse”. Without him I don’t think I would be where I am today.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Pittsburgh Steelers

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I would say the most underrated teammate at my school is Nick Partchenko. He is a competitor who shows up and works very hard every day, often raising the intensity in practices. He has also shown great commitment to our team and has earned his role on our team. Although he is not an official captain on our team, many people respect him as one.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Nothing irritates me more than when I see guys with great potential not work hard and just rely on their God given attributes to get by.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Throughout my life I have had a lot of great teachers, but none have compared to the lesson’s failure has taught me. Although it is cliche, all of the greatest successes in my life were built on the foundation of failures from before.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

In grade 13 I frequently dislocated my shoulder throughout the season, and in one of our last games of the season I dislocated it leaving me not being able to play and finish out my high school career. Nothing hurt me more than going down on that last play knowing I couldn’t show up and fight with my brothers that last game. Following this I had to get surgery, which was right at the beginning of the pandemic, causing many more obstacles than I had originally expected. This time span in my life was very challenging as I not only suffered the physical aspects from the injuries, but it also took a mental toll on me as well, and once the pandemic hit things were just amplified even more.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

Personally, I love the chicken on the rocks from Osmows so I would have to go with that.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Best snack food has to be chips. Either nacho Doritos or all dressed Ruffles.

What is your degree in? 

Bachelor of Commerce – Sport and Event Management 

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

My three would have to be Kobe Bryant, Brian Shaw, and Trent Williams. Kobe Bryant in my mind is the epitome of work ethic and just being able to pick his brain I think would prove very beneficial. Brian Shaw is a strongman competitor and arguably the strongest human being on earth. Being able to sit down and chat with him would be a very cool experience as I am very interested in the world of strongman and lifting as a whole. Lastly, Trent Williams is in my opinion the best offensive lineman in the NFL and arguably one of the best football players ever. There are so many questions I would ask a guy such as himself, things from drills and techniques to lifestyle and overcoming adversity would all be topics of discussion.

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say my biggest weakness is my self doubt. I often find myself talking to myself and asking questions like “Did I work hard enough?”, “Am I ready?”, “Could I have done more?”. All these questions are always present in my mind no matter how hard I work and I believe is part of the reason as to why I push myself so hard and always look to do extra. The only downside to this is it can occasionally impact my confidence and lead me to being disappointed in myself due to me not meeting my own expectations.

Leave a Reply