2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Cikauskas, DE, Monmouth College

• Name: Anthony Cikauskas
• Position: Defensive End 
• College: Monmouth College
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 240
• Twitter: @Acikauskas
• Instagram:@anthonycikauskas

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? 

•What makes me a top prospect is my ability to cause havoc in both the run and pass game. Having a wingspan on 76 6/8 arms allows me to control and move the linemen in the running game effectively. Combining that with my speed allows my pass rushes to be a nightmare for offensive linemen 

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

• Every NFL team should know how consistent I am on every play. I am someone who is gap sounded and will be where I’m supposed to be at. I take control of my edge and do not allow anyone to take it from me 

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

• I would donate to the “National MS Society” in support of my mother 

Who was your role model? 

•My parents are my biggest role models on and off the field by always pushing me to my potential and showing me anything is possible.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

•Growing up outside of Chicago I was always a Bears fan 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

• Nate Wrublik, he is the most talented running back I have ever played with.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

•Working with people who do not want to win. I am a winner and do not want to be surrounded by anyone who is okay with losing .

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

•Matt Kurkamp for being the first teacher to have a positive impact during my time in the classroom.

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

•Senior year of high school when Covid took away our season. I did not know where my collegiate career was going to go. I had doubts of never putting on cleats again but after taking a gap year and getting offered by Monmouth, I took the opportunity and never looked back.

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

•Chipotle 

What is your favorite snack food? 

•Any type of fruit 

What is your degree in? 

•Public Relations 

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

• Donald J. Trump, Taylor Lewan & Jon Jones. I would gain knowledge for all these men that I could use for the rest of my life. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

• I prioritize on the small details a lot which can take myself away from the bigger goal. I learned to trust myself and my abilities to overcome this “Weakness”.