2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaxon Duttenhefer, DT, North Dakota State University

• Name: Jaxon Duttenhefer
• Position: Defensive Tackle
• College: North Dakota State University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 290 pounds
• Twitter: @JDuttenhefer
• Instagram: jaxon_duttenhefer

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

I am the type of player who will do his job and do it well. Through studying my opponents, I can put myself in situations that allow me to play fast.

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

I am addicted to film study. Getting tells from formations and stances both help give me an edge on the field.

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

That is honestly a hard question to answer. Many causes are worth donations of both time and money. If I were to choose one, it would be the American Red Cross. They do amazing work both at home and abroad.

Who was your role model? 

My role model was my AAU basketball coach. He taught me that there are other things in life that are important besides a game. How he treated others and went about his daily life is nothing short of amazing. Just an amazing man who continues to impact my life.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team would be the Dallas Cowboys. My dad grew up a Cowboys fan, and he passed that on to me. I attended a game in the inaugural year of AT&T Stadium. It was an amazing experience.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

The most underrated teammate at my school would be Griffin Empey. He is a Sophomore offensive lineman, but he plays above his age. He will be a problem in the Missouri Valley for years to come.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

People who don’t use their blinkers when they turn.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mrs. Levadney is my favorite teacher I have ever had. She taught AP Biology in my high school which doesn’t sound that exciting, but she made the class enjoyable and fun.

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

I would say the hardest moment in my life is still ongoing. My father has been on dialysis for almost 10 years. His immune system does not function normally, so there have been many health scares regarding him over the years. Just dealing with the fact that I could get a call at any time and be told he is in the hospital with a sickness of some nature always adds a strain.

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

I am a sucker for Chik Fil A. The variety the menu offers is second to none.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I have a local butcher shop in my hometown called Butcher Block Meats. They do some amazing beef sticks in a variety of flavors. If you gave me a pack, I would eat them all in one sitting.

What is your degree in? 

I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in fraud investigation. I will earn my master’s degree in accounting in December.

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

My first pick would be Jesus. There is so much I could ask and learn from him. My second choice is Abraham Lincoln. Again, I would ask a ton of questions on how he led the way he did during a polarizing time in American history. My last choice would be John F. Kennedy. Another American president who was leading during a stressful time in our nation. I would ask about his leadership styles and how he managed to lead the way he did.

What is your biggest weakness? 

I am a perfectionist on and off the field. This sometimes causes me to second-guess my decisions and actions.