2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dominique Walker, DE, University of Waterloo

• Name: Dominique Walker
• Position: Edge
• College: University of Waterloo
• Height: 6’7
• Weight: 245 lbs.
• Instagram: domm_8h

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

I believe what separates me is my combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. At 6’7 I use my length to create problems for offensive tackles, but I take just as much pride in stopping the run as I do rushing the passer. A lot of teams don’t run toward my side—they’ll try to attack the weak side of the field. But when they do come at me, I take pride in setting a hard edge, forcing the ball back inside, and making offenses earn every yard. I want to be a complete defensive end, not just someone who gets after the quarterback. Whether it’s rushing the passer, playing the run, or chasing plays down from the backside, I want coaches to know they’re getting a dependable player who’s going to play with relentless effort every snap.

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

One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing varsity football, school, and working a physically demanding job as a team leader for a moving company. There were days I’d finish work exhausted and still have practice, meetings, or assignments. Instead of making excuses, I learned how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and keep showing up. That experience taught me resilience, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

Outside of football, I enjoy working on and building my car. I’ve always liked learning how things work, so I enjoy doing upgrades and taking on projects myself whenever I can. I also spend a lot of time in the gym, even outside of football, because I’m always looking for ways to improve my overall performance. When I have some downtime, I like playing video games. It’s a good way for me to relax, clear my mind, and recharge before getting back to training, work, or school.

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

I want to earn whatever role the team needs from me. Whether that’s contributing on special teams, rotating into the defensive line, or eventually becoming a starter, my goal is to help the team win. I’ll do whatever is asked of me

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

I would invest in opportunities for underprivileged kids, especially through sports and education. Growing up, I know how much a mentor or a safe place to develop can change someone’s life. I’d want to give kids those opportunities.

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

I welcome coaching because I know it’s what helps players improve. I don’t take criticism personally; I see it as an opportunity to get better. One thing my coaches are always on me about is playing with lower pad level. Being 6’7, they constantly remind me that the lower man usually wins, especially at defensive end. It’s something we’ve worked on a lot because I know I naturally have a height disadvantage when it comes to leverage. Every time they correct me, I make a point to apply it the next rep. I’d rather have a coach who’s constantly pushing me than one who’s satisfied, because I know that’s how you continue to develop and become the best player you can be.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I’d say Divine Ugoh. I think he’s one of the most underrated teammates at our school because he’s always challenging someone to get better. Whether it’s during workouts, practice, or meetings, he’s constantly pushing the standard and bringing energy. He’s the type of teammate who holds everyone accountable, and that competitiveness makes the whole team better. I think people see what he does on the field, but they don’t always see the impact he has on the people around him.

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

If I could have dinner with three people, I’d choose Will Anderson Jr., Snoop Dogg, and Bob Marley. I’d choose Will Anderson Jr. because he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and I’d want to learn about his preparation, mindset, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I’d choose Snoop Dogg because of everything he’s accomplished outside of music. He’s built businesses, given back to communities, and stayed relevant for decades, so I’d love to learn how he thinks. Finally, I’d choose Bob Marley because of the impact he had on Jamaica and the world through his music and his message. As someone born in Jamaica, I’d love to hear his perspective on life, faith, and using your platform to inspire others.

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

It wouldn’t be because of effort or attitude. If I got benched, it’d probably be because someone outperformed me. If that happened, I’d respond by working harder to earn my spot back

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

My pre-game routine starts with a balanced breakfast and a fruit smoothie to make sure I’m fueled properly. Once I get to the facility, I head to the gym to stretch and loosen up before going to the therapy room to use the Normatec boots for recovery and circulation. After that, I head back to the locker room to shower and get mentally locked in. Before warmups, I go back out to the field to do more stretching, and one thing I always do is handstands against the goalpost to get the blood flowing and wake my body up. Then it’s back to the locker room to get taped, head out for early-outs, come back for any final taping, get fully dressed, and once I step back onto the field, it’s game time.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favourite snack food is curry chicken. I was never a snacker, I prefer whole meals.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I think I play best in a 4-3 because of my size and versatility. I enjoy rushing the passer, setting the edge, and being disruptive. On tight ends or H’s I do prefer to be head up, to set the edge.

What is your degree in? 

I’m completing my degree in Recreation Sport Business at the University of Waterloo.

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

The first thing I’d buy with my first NFL check is the property my parents need to build our family business. One of our long-term goals has always been to own and operate an inn together, and being able to help make that dream a reality would mean more to me than buying a car or expensive jewelry. Football has given me an opportunity to change my family’s future, and that’s something I’ve never lost sight of. Helping them build that business would be one of the proudest moments of my life.

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

During the East-West Bowl, I missed a tackle that has stuck with me. I was in chase technique, but I came in too high trying to make the tackle. When I went to wrap up the runner he ducked under my arms and I grazed right over the ball carrier’s helmet, and picked up another five yards. Right after the play, I looked over toward the berm behind our sideline where my dad was standing. He simply gestured for me to breathe. It reminded me of something my coaches always preach on: football is a next play mentality game. I couldn’t change the missed tackle, but I could control how I responded. I locked back in, focused on my technique and pad level, and made sure I didn’t let one mistake affect the rest of my game. That moment reinforced the importance of staying mentally resilient because at the next level, every player is going to make mistakes. It’s how you respond that defines you.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Make a Play – Big Scarr 
2. 10 Percent – 9lokknine
3. Drillaz – Lil Jeff