2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Carter Szydlowski, DL, Presbyterian College 

• Name: Carter Szydlowski 
• Position: DT/DE (4i/3/5) 
• College: Presbyterian College 
• Height: 6’3 
• Weight: 270 
• Twitter: @carterszydlows2 
• Instagram: carter.szyd 

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

Plug and play guy since I have played every defensive line position in live game situations. Combination of power and motor that will show up in the pass and run game. On topof these are my leadership qualities, I have been a captain on every level I’ve played the game at. 

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

Team first guy who is willing to put the team before myself. Whether it is a position on special teams or it’s a position I’m not used to playing, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win.  

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

If there was a source out there for this, I would donate to an organization that brings fair education to all. Not simplified education, but instead education that would help generations regardless of where they grow up. 

Who was your role model?  

There are a few for me, but one of the most influential was my mom. She taught me what sacrifice actually means.Whether it was hard work or putting others before herself she always got it done without a complaint. She foundmore joy in herself doing for others, rather than anythingfor herself. She also led me in my early faith journey. All of this shaped me in a way to apply these qualities in any part of my life I can. 

Who is your favorite NFL team? 

Detroit Lions 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?  

Could name 9 or 10, but I will keep it in my position room. Robert Porter, Malek Horlback, and Chris Ohagwu. These guys have been shorted on conference and national attention, but film won’t lie so cut it on. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?  

Willful ignorance. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever? 

My 8^th grade algebra teacher Ms.Adkins.  

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

My parents split from a young age and eventually became states apart from each other. This took a while to overcome through childhood until I reached the perspective of all the good that came from it. I was put in different situations and places that I learned to adapt in. It also gave way to bonusfamily that made life better. Rather than a quick problem solved it was a thing that led me to the biblical understanding of what comes to those who are able tofaithfully endure any form of suffering. 

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

Panda Express, multiple sources of protein and some good carbs is all I’ll need. 

What is your favorite snack food?  

QT buffalo rollers. 

What is your degree in?  

History with a Minor in Political Science. 

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

1. Christ 
2. JJ Watt 
3. My late friend Kory Kovach 

What is your biggest weakness?  

Probably the standard I hold myself to. It can get in the way of seeing what I have accomplished, and I can get over critical. The good thing about it is that it eliminatescomplacency.