2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyrell Mims, DB, Villanova

Heart of a lion or should I say heart of a wildcat. Villanova defensive back Tyrell Mims is the type of player who sets a standard on the football field. Gritty, in your face, play until the whistle ends. At 5’10 195 the Philadelphia native is one of those defensive players that checks all the boxes when it comes to hardnosed winning mentality. Mims had 101 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 15 passes defensed, and 6 interceptions in his career as a Villanova Wildcat. He was named a captain this past season and played a key role on a Villanova team that finished 10-4 and a loss in the second round of the FCS playoffs. He talked to me about declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, what he brings to an NFL team and more for NFL Draft Diamonds.

Leader: How does it feel to be at this point in your football journey headed to the NFL draft? 

Tyrell: I feel like this is supposed to happen. Nothing outside of the norm. I’ve put in the work to chase this dream since I was a little kid and I’m just happy that I’ve made it this far to even get to talk about professionals.

Leader: Why did you feel right now was the time to make the decision

Tyrell: My college career is a wrap. This is the next step that I am looking forward to. So why not now?

Leader: Good season for you and the Villanova Wildcats you have been a part of the winning machine. How was it playing for Coach Ferrante? How did this staff make you a better football player?

Tyrell: Coach Ferrante, as well as the other coaches on staff, helped me grow tremendously from back when I was a freshman, up to current date. I became a better player because I was coachable and soaked up the game they gave me any chance I could! The parties including players and coaches all could speak up in the room and have input on things so that it doesn’t feel like a dictatorship; more sense of community when it comes to us talking about the game. Not only just a better player, but they helped me become a better man.  

Leader: How would you describe Villanova football culture?

Tyrell: Villanova is family oriented to the max. I don’t think anyone from any other program can say that genuinely. We have open door policies with our coaches. We never act or move along without doing it with and for your brothers to your front, back, right, and left. We actually know our players inside/out because we build relationships with each other on a daily, which makes us closer. Our theme is “We Over Me”. I think that sums up what our culture is.

Leader: What can you add to an NFL team on the football field:

Tyrell: Just like off the field, I am labeled a “Swiss Army Knife”. Someone who is always available. I can play your #1 wide receiver on the outside as a corner. I can bump inside on first and second down to play an RPO offense with my great film study, quickness, and reactive skills. On third down, I can match up with whoever we need to eliminate according to the game-plan so that the defense can get off the field.  I can get my nose dirty and stack up 10 plus tackles at the nickel spot if you need me to. I’m available, and I think that is my best trait.

Leader: You were a leader, a captain on Villanova. What do you give to an NFL locker room?

Tyrell: I can add volume. I can add intensity. I can add passion, some more love, the energy! I bring the winning culture to wherever I go because that’s what I’ve generated in myself from my background and upbringing. In a world where those who take more losses than wins, I’ve seen the turns and adjustments you must make in order to come out on top as the winner! You can’t deny me as I am someone who rubs off on others and have the ability to bring 100 plus men along on the same journey with me. All I know is to go forward and to win, and I know that I can bring that mentality to a team and create a legacy!

Leader: What NFL player do you model your game after? Who do you think is the best DB in the NFL? Why?

Tyrell: Tyrann Mathieu, that’s why I wear #7 lol. Not only the best DB in the game, but the best football player in the world. He is exactly who I try to model after due to my physical attributes. We are a match. As a kid I studied what it is he does in order to WIN. I think him being someone that can step up to the plate whenever his name is called is the best thing ever! That’s why I enjoy playing special teams and defense!

Leader: What makes a good defensive back?

Tyrell: Someone who can execute. Someone who can get the job done no matter what the task at hand is. If your job is to shut down a receiver, you shut down the receiver. If your job is to slow down the run game, you slow down the run game. If you understand concepts and route trees. If you can break down your matchups and other potential receivers you may have to see. That’s what makes a GREAT defensive back.

Leader: What type of defense do you like to play in?

Tyrell: I like to play in a “Man Based” defense. I say man BASED because that’s what I just played in. Majority of our calls were man, but even if it was a zone call, at some point, these receivers and quarterbacks get smarter and will find ways to take advantage of open zones. So those zone calls will end up being played as a man through the duration of the play!

Leader: This Villanova defense had a great season. A very aggressive athletic defense made a lot of plays. What made this defense so good?

Tyrell: We stuck together no matter what occurred.  Whether we were in a shootout, whether we were down by a lot of points, or even when we were shutting another team out. We played the game WITH EACH OTHER. High expectations in every room as well as a connection from DL, to LB’s, to the DB’s. Assignment was understood from the start of camp and we knew what our goal was, to be the best defense in the country. 

Leader: You played for coach Pennypacker(defense coordinator), coach Johnson(cornerback), and coach Colangelo(safeties). What made these coaches good for how you played the game? 

Tyrell: Like I mentioned earlier, we have a connection with our coaches. So when it came time to discuss ball and what it is we need to win, it wasn’t just coach talking to us, but the whole room could speak up. I felt comfortable, I knew I could come to coach about whatever is happening in the game. Some tips if need be.

Leader: What stands out for a coach to be a coach for you?

Tyrell: A coach that can coach. Not someone who just enjoys the title, but someone who can better me everyday. Also, that coach has to be willing to take criticism as well, from a player. We all can grow together, that’s my mindset. 

Leader: What’s your team in the NFL?

Tyrell: Born and raised in the heart of Philadelphia. Go Birds baby!

Leader: What receiver do you want to have a match up with in the NFL? What quarterback do you want to sack?

Tyrell: No preference on what receiver I’d like to guard. I do have dreams of sacking Aaron Rodgers or any of the old school greats that are still playing the game. It’s just something you can tell your kids in the future that you did!