2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryder Kurtz, TE, Cornell University

• Name: Ryder Kurtz
• Position: Tight End
• College: Cornell University
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 255
• Twitter: @RyderKurtz
• Instagram: ryder.kurtz 

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

• My Versatility, My ability to do it all in the pass game, run game and pass protection and the hardest worker when it comes to my craft.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

• My Dad passed in 2022 and I responded by having a great senior season and honoring my season to him. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

• Watching tv/movies with my buddies, cooking, and playing video games. 

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

• I see myself as a reliable, versatile tight end who can contribute in multiple ways, in the pass and run game also I see myself as being the best teammate and leader on and off the field. 

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

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

• I handle coaching well, I like to be coached hard. I play better when coaches are demanding, I don’t shy away from criticism, it is only going to make me better. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

• Johnny Williamson

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

1. My Dad, he passed when I was 18 and would love to know more. 
2. Kobe Bryant – the mindset of Kobe is second to none, would love to pick his brain of how he approached the game and life. 
3. Jesus Christ,  Would love to understand how he approached leading and influencing people without traditional power.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

• If I were to get benched tomorrow it would be because I was injured

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

• Get to the facility, put some music on, walk the field with all of my roommates to take it in then go out before warmups to get catches in with quarterbacks then do my Tight end Indy. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

• Welch’s Fruit Snacks

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

• I would feel best fit in a 11/12 Personnel where the tight end moves all around. 

What is your degree in? 

• Industrial and Labor Relations

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

• My family a house.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

• Against Princeton I missed a couple of blocks and I reminded myself to have a short term memory, being accountable and I belong here. Then I scored the game winning touchdown while breaking multiple tackles on that play. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Hometown Glory – Adele
2. Restless Mind – Sam Barber
3. Shock da World – Rod Wave