2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Christopher Eaton Jr., DE/OLB, Sam Houston State University

• Name: Christopher Eaton Jr 
• Position: Defensive End/OLB
• College: Sam Houston State University
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 255 lbs
• Twitter: @Chris_Eaton22
• Instagram: Christopher_Eaton_Jr

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect at my position in the 2026 NFL Draft is the fact that I am versatile. Not just on the field physically but being able to mentally dissect what is happening before plays on a down to down basis. My ability to have my hand in the dirt along with being able to play in space at a high level with a relentless motor is one of my best attributes. My ability to decipher sets in the pass game while winning the hand fighting game at the point of attack is something that will set me apart at the next level. To go along with this being able to put emphasis on my leverage and hand positioning in the run game to reset the line of scrimmage. Moreover, I am never satisfied with what I accomplished the day before because a new day equals a new opportunity for me to improve and elevate my game. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I am always team first. I always want my brother next to me to win. I constantly push those that are around me to ensure that collectively we’re a strong unit therefore we can all hold each other accountable on a day to day basis. I’m not only trying to push my teammates physically but mentally as well in order to make sure that we are well rounded in all areas therefore, we are able to perform at the highest levels on gameday. 

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

I would donate to Pancreatic Cancer. This would be because it is one of the deadliest and least funded cancers that are often caught too late to treat. Any donation could mean a world of a difference to someone who is going through that and it could potentially save their life. 

Who was your role model? 

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is my role model. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Seattle Seahawks are my favorite NFL team. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

N/A, I am currently transferring into my new school for the fall therefore I am unsure of who my most underrated teammate would be. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is someone who chases mediocrity. I always love to be around people that are goal driven and look for ways to take steps above average and want to be great. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher is Professor Massoud from Bryant University. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

The hardest moment that I had to overcome was coming back from my shoulder injury that occurred my Junior year of college. It was the most difficult and painful rehab that I ever had. There were nights I couldn’t sleep from the pain, rehab at times were more painful then the pain I had at night, times where everyone else could play the sport I love and I had to be on the sideline and I couldn’t participate. This not only brought on physical challenges for me but mental challenges as well. The situation put me in a space where I felt isolated and had me learn about myself in ways that I hadn’t before. This situation made me who I am today. It made me realize that my pain and perseverance was proof of what was to come in the later years. With God and the right mindset everything fell into place and I kept fighting everyday until I was 100% physically and mentally to continue my journey. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

A franchise restaurant that I would have in my house is Texas Roadhouse. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is chocolate chip cookies

What is your degree in? 

My degree is in the Master of Science of Sports Management

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

I would first have dinner with Kobe Bryant. This is because he had a unique work ethic and viewpoint on life that I could learn from. The way that he went about being the hardest working in his sport and dedicating his life to be great would make for a great conversation to collect gems from him that I could carry for the rest of my life. I would also like to have dinner with Simone Biles because over the past few years she’s been through a ton of adversity. Dealing with mental health struggles and being strong enough to step away from her sport to come back stronger then when she left is remarkable. I would love to center the conversation around how she built up the strength to battle this adversity and take it head on. To go along with that to understand the steps that it took for her to battle back and compete at such a high level is something that I want to get some insight on to carry in my life. The third person that I would like to have dinner with is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is because I would like to get an understanding of what it was like to start a movement and stick by what you believe in. No matter what anyone else thought he stayed true to himself and what he believed in and I am a firm believer that that piece of information will not only help me in football with continuing to hone in on my leadership qualities but also within life. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness is that I am my biggest critic. I am harder on myself then anyone and I strive for perfection in everything. Even though it can be viewed as a strength, I’ve noticed over time that I have to learn to give myself credit for the things that I have accomplished first instead of always immediately harping on what I can improve on.