2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kaleb Lyons, DB, Eastern Illinois University

• Name: Kaleb “Snoop” Lyons
• Position: DB
• School: Eastern Illinois University
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: @kaleblyons24
• Instagram: @ka1eb8

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

The way I process and see the game separates me from others which allows me to make more plays on the ball. This has allowed me to consistently be on the field whether at corner, nickel, or safety. Understanding how teams are going to try to attack us beforehand helps me put myself and my teammates in better positions to make plays.

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

Last season I did not play as much as I deserved or believed I should’ve after starting every game. until week 5. We had a corner get back healthy from the previous year, and even though he caused many issues off the field he was immediately thrown into the lineup over me. With no explanation given to me, I showed up to work everyday controlling the controllables. I was constantly dealing with teammates and family members asking me why I wasn’t playing. There was no answer I could give them. With that said, I managed to intercept Ty Simpson at Alabama to end the season.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

I am a stay at home guy. I don’t like to be around too many people at once. I talk with the guys back home, watch football, basketball, and play the game. Pretty simple, I like to stay to myself and just stay out the way.

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

I see myself being a playmaker on Sundays as a reliant ball player. I still have more growth to do as a player as growth is infinite. I truly feel like with the cards I’ve made the most of the cards I have been dealt and God keeps showing me that I truly can do anything I put my mind to through faith in him.

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

I would donate to the foundation for ALS. As a Tennessee kid, growing up watching Chris Johnson on the Titans, he inspired me to play this sport and to be myself. Watching him deteriorate this last year with this disease has been nothing short of heart breaking.

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

I feel like I handle coaching extremely well. I do my best to accept whatever it is that the coach is asking for and implement it as quickly as possible. As a player I feel like one of the worst things you can do is make the same mistake twice and I do my best to not let that happen.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Nasir Maryland, our new corner that transferred in from Merrimack. Cole Lacrue, our QB transfer from Wisconsin, and our center Rahfeeq Katumbusi to name a few.

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

Jesus, Grandfather, and Charles Woodson. Jesus for obvious reasons I just feel like to have walked the earth with God in the flesh would be surreal. My grandfather on my moms side passed away when she was 14. He was the only other person in my family to play football in high school and coincidentally he wore #21 which is why I still wear that today. Lastly, I would love to pick Charles Woodson’s brain as he is another DB who played multiple positions and did it at the highest level.

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

Failing to meet the standard that we have set for the team and that I have set for myself.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

On the way to the game I typically will listen to a sermon through my bible app from my church back home. After that I get my music going and head out before the 90 minute clock starts to do some activation and get some catches in. Other than that not too much just trying to stay as sharp as I can mentally to prepare myself for war, before we all go out for warmups.

What is your favorite snack food?

I don’t eat snacks too much but I got a soft spot for chocolate chip cookies, and oreo milkshakes of any kind.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

4-2-5 without a doubt with ability to play at all 5 spots barring situation and personnel.

What is your degree in?

Finance

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

I would reinvest personally, but the first tangible thing I would buy would be a home. FIrst fun purchase would definitely be a vehicle.

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

Most recently I dropped an interception on play 9 versus Murray State that was pretty bad. I would have scored and the tone would have been set from the jump. My teammates let me hear it for sure, but later that game in the third quarter I made up for it and got myself an interception.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

Can’t even give songs for real but artist wise Yeat number 1 for me. All time prolly Juice Wrld, then my brother makes music on the side