2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaron Kelley, TE, Delaware State

• Name: Jaron Kelley
• Position: Tight End
• College: Delaware State University
• Height: 6’7″
• Weight: 258 lbs
• Twitter: @iamjaronkelley
• Instagram: @Rondobcm

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

I bring a unique combination of size, athleticism, and physicality to the tight end position. At 6’7″ and 258 pounds, I can be a dominant blocker in the run game while also creating mismatches in the passing game. I move well for my size and pride myself on being a complete tight end who can impact every aspect of the offense.

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

In high school, I partially tore my ACL and lateral meniscus in my right knee. Since I was a senior, I chose not to get surgery at the time and fought through the pain to be there for my team. After high school, I spent nine months recovering and then worked hard to regain my strength and confidence. Because of the injury, I entered college behind physically compared to other athletes, but I never used it as an excuse. The experience taught me resilience, discipline, and patience. It showed me that adversity doesn’t define you—how you respond to it does.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football, I enjoy building my clothing brand, trading, spending time with friends, and finding ways to grow personally and professionally.

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

I see myself as a Swiss Army knife type of player—someone who can do whatever is needed in both the run and pass game. I want to be a reliable player who can contribute in multiple ways and help my team win.

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

I would donate to mental health initiatives. There are a lot of people dealing with challenges they don’t talk about, and I believe more support and resources could make a major difference in many lives.

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

I handle coaching very well. I’ve always been a player that coaches can trust and lean on. I accept criticism positively because I know it’s meant to help me improve. When I make mistakes, I take accountability, learn from them, and work to correct them.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Mark Burns. I don’t think people have seen his full potential yet, and I believe he’s going to surprise a lot of people.

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

My grandfather, my uncle, and my mother. They are the people who understand me the most and have always made sure I was taken care of. Having the opportunity to sit down with all three of them would mean a lot to me.

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

A lack of focus. Football requires complete attention to detail, and if I were ever benched, it would likely be because I wasn’t locked in the way I should be.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine.

I start by waking up and listening to music to get my mind right. Then I take my Beet gummies, get my body moving, and eat. Once I get to the stadium, I like to walk around and take everything in while focusing on the game plan. After that, it’s time to lock in and compete.

What is your favorite snack food?

I don’t eat a lot of snacks, but if I had to choose, it would be Watermelon Sour Patch Kids.

What scheme do you feel you fit best in?

I believe I can fit into any offensive scheme that utilizes my skill set effectively. Whether it’s the run game or passing game, I’m ready to contribute wherever I’m needed.

What is your degree in?

Sport Management.

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

I honestly wouldn’t buy anything for myself right away. I’d probably give some money to my mom and dad because they’ve sacrificed so much to help me get where I am today.

Describe a time in a game where you made a mistake and how you bounced back.

There was a play where I didn’t execute my assignment correctly, and if I had, we would have scored. I learned from that mistake, and when the same play was called the following game, I executed it exactly the way it was designed and ended up scoring a touchdown.

Name three songs we can expect on your playlist.

1. • “Bigger” – Lil Poppa
2. • “Nowhere Fast” – Lil Poppa
3. • “Money Green” – Lito the Plug