2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Darien Newell, DT, Queen’s University
- Name: Darien Newell
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- College: Queen’s University
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 290
- Twitter: Ninetyproblemz
- Instagram: Ninetyproblemz
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?
I believe my explosiveness and power accompanied by my emphasis on technique and the versatility of being both a run stopper and pass rusher, is a combination very few have.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I’m eager to improve, constantly looking for ways to improve my game and how I see the field.
Who was your role model?
My mother has been and continues to be the hardest-working individual I know.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Seattle Seahawks
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Nico Kwemo/Keegan Vanek
What is your biggest pet peeve?
In football, indifference is a big problem. It can kill the team’s momentum if a player’s not giving it their all—like jogging routes, slacking on blocks, or not chasing down tackles. Everyone needs to be locked in and give 100%. When someone’s indifferent, it hurts the whole squad and can be the difference between winning and losing.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Father Time
Overcoming adversity defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
I’d say this year having an injury scare and rehabbing and returning early, and still receiving First-Team Allstar and First-Team All-Canadian
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Churches chicken
What is your favorite snack food?
Yogurt and Granola
What is your degree in?
Philosophy
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Lebron James to find out what he did to keep this longevity.
- Shaq for how he continued to grow his brand business-wise after he was done playing.
- Aaron Donald to pick his brain as a player
What is your biggest weakness?
I tend to overanalyze a play in some instances, thinking of every possible situation instead of just playing on my instincts.
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