2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Connor McLaughlin, OT, Stanford

• Name: Connor McLaughlin
• Position: Offensive Tackle 
• College: Stanford 
• Height: 6’7″
• Weight: 300
• Twitter: @connormclau
• Instagram: connormclaughl1n

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

My strengths are my pass protection consistency, my heavy hands, the integrity of my set angles, and my ability to explode off the ball and move quickly. 

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

In the beginning of my career, I dealt with acute injuries which sidelined me while my peers were able to continue developing, both in the weightroom and during practice reps on the field. Though an obstacle, it provided the wisdom and experience for me to comfortably handle hyper-competitive situations, while also teaching me not to take time on the field for granted. 

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

My cause would be related to colorectal health and abscess/fistula research and care. I would specifically designate a grant to the Tampa Bay Baycare colorectal team for patients with improper health insurance coverage to ensure they receive proper medical care.

Who was your role model?

My role models are both my mother and father.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

In my opinion, the most underrated player on the 2024 Stanford Football Team is Wilfredo Aybar.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is people who litter in outdoor, public spaces.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teachers are Greg Malafronte and Lisa Kowynia, who both taught my English classes at Jesuit High School. They raised my personal standard of work while teaching me to expect more out of myself in the classroom, specifically in my writing, as opposed to checking boxes and doing “well enough” in school. 

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

My defining moment in the face of adversity was the seven colorectal related surgeries I received between my Freshman and Junior years of college. These experiences taught me to be grateful for the ability to play football, how to manage extreme stress and feelings of apprehension, and for Dr. Elizabeth Myers, a miracle-worker colorectal surgeon. 

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

My in-home franchise restaurant would be Mr. Empanada 

What is your favorite snack food?

Currently, my favorite snack is buffalo chicken wings.

What is your degree in?

My undergraduate degree is in Science, Technology and Society as a BA, Psychology as a Minor.

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

I would choose to have dinner with just Theodore Roosevelt and myself. I feel like having two others at the dinner table would take away from the fluidity of the conversation. 

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is trusting others to complete tasks as opposed to doing them myself.