2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kayleb Parker, OL, University of Windsor

• Name: Kayleb Parker
• Position: Guard/Tackle
• College: The University of Windsor 
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 295
• Twitter: Kayleb_Parker62
• Instagram: Kayleb_Parker62

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

The things that make me a top prospect for the 2027 draft is my versatility in being able to do multiple things on the field, my foot speed, the physicality I bring to the game, and lastly the way I love to maul people to the ground in both the run and pass game. 

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

Adversity I have had to face during my career was loosing a family member right before the start of my 2024 season. I responded by really just being around my family members, as well as being able to lean on my football family to get through it. Have always had great support in my time.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football I love to fish when I can and really enjoy playing corn hole and having bonfires. Anything outdoors I am usually a fan of. 

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

I really see myself playing any role on the offensive line that is best fit to help my team succeed. But as soon as i get there id like to start competing to become an established starter at the pro level.

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

I would donate to a cause that would make sure that every military veteran is off the street and has a place to go. 

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

I believe that i am a coachable player and am always looking for feedback. Even if theres criticism involved i have learned over the years to not take the criticism part of it so personal and take away the points i need to be a better player.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Tommy Leavens doesn’t say a whole lot but will run you into the ground.

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

1. My Grandpa Ferguson – I feel are time together was cut to short and from stories I have heard about before he got sick i feel i could have learned a thing or two from him. 

2. Trent Williams – This is someone who I have watched a lot of tape on throughout my career and I’d love to be able to sit down with one of the greatest tackles to play the game and pick his brain on things that he does.

3. My great grandpa Casey – Someone who I never got the chance to meet but is another person I have heard a lot of cool things about and would have loved to have the chance to meet him

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

If I was benched tomorrow Id like to say it would be because of something out of my control. Maybe my coaches thought I could use some rest. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

The first thing i usually do on a game day when i wake up is shower. After my shower I like to get a good size breakfast in always including some sort of protein,carbs and apple juice. After I eat I look over my notes from the week one last time and i get my stuff together i need for the game and head over to the facility. Once im at the facility ill usually talk with my teammates for the first 15-20 minutes then after that I like to pop my headphones on and start getting dialed in for the game. When i first put my headphones on its usually some calm relaxed music while I get loose and go thru stretches. Then as time gets closer to the game my music changes to a lot of rap and rock, something in my mind flips and I know its time for war.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is the sweet chili heat doritos

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I feel like I will fit best in really any scheme, but especially one that allows me to just play free and not have to worry to much about a million rules. 

What is your degree in?

Arts, Humanities, Social science

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

The first thing I would buy is a chevy tahoe. Doesn’t even have to be brand new can be in the 2023+ range.

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

Back in 2023 during one of our playoff games I was playing this position we have on my team called the monster its just an extra o lineman. I remember hearing the play and in my mind I was fully confident and ready to go, well a couple more seconds go by and we end up having to waste a timeout on my screw up because I lined up on the wrong side as the tight end after that we called a new formation and I was taken out of the game for a while. After that moment I made sure to take the initiative to make sure I know what I’m doing no matter where I am on the field. I had to reprove that I could be counted on to do my job.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Dog $hit – 21 savage
2. Primetime – BigXthaPlug
3. No leaf clover – Metallica