2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Franco Milano, DE, Stony Brook University
- Name: Franco Milano
- Position: Defensive End
- College: Stony Brook University
- Height: 6’3
- Weight: 265
- Twitter: francomilano6
- Instagram: franco_milano_
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
What separates me as a top prospect is my reliability under pressure. Whether it’s third down, two-minute, or the red zone, you can trust me to execute and make the big play. I play with a high motor, and I finish plays other guys don’t have the discipline to finish.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
Something NFL teams should know about me is how fast I can absorb a playbook. I pick things up quickly and apply them on the field. I’m also the guy who always stays after to get extra reps and perfect my craft.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to youth sports in under-resourced communities. Sports have forever changed my life. The life lessons you gain as an athlete are incomparable. I want to give kids the same opportunity that helped shape me into the man I am today.
Who was your role model?
My father is my role model. He taught me that nothing comes easy, and that if I slack off, that’s another opportunity for someone else to get better than me. Without his guidance and support, I may have never gotten into the game of football.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
My favorite NFL team is the Buffalo Bills.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
The most underrated teammate at my school is Aidan Kaler.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
My favorite teacher was Mr. Gallacher at Brewster High School.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
The hardest moment in my life to overcome was earning a full scholarship at Stony Brook. COVID heavily impacted my recruiting process, and I didn’t receive a football scholarship out of high school. I grinded for three hard years to earn the honor of becoming a full scholarship player.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Cabo Fresh.
What is your favorite snack food?
My favorite snack is apples and peanut butter.
What is your degree in?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a specialization in Finance, and I minored in Real Estate and Insurance. I’m currently pursuing my MBA with a concentration in Innovation.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Warren Buffett — he’s arguably one of the greatest investors of all time.
- Tom Brady — one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.
- Albert Einstein — one of the greatest minds in history.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is that I sometimes push myself too hard, to the point where I can mentally and physically burn myself out.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com