2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Niklas Henning, OL, Queens University

• Name: Niklas Henning
• Position: Offensive Lineman
• College: Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 310 lbs
• Instagram: @nik.hng

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

I am a worker, I have gone from soccer goalkeeper, to basketball, to walk-on for my college football team. I am willing to be uncomfortable and hear hard truths about my performance so that I can improve. I don’t focus on my ego, but take feedback at face value and use it to my advantage. I went from having little to no experience on the football field to being one of the better players at my position.

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

I am mentally tough. I don’t shirk away from coaches telling me to be better and using their feedback to improve my game. 

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

I would donate to the World Wildlife Fund, I’ve always been a strong supporter of environmental protection, and the WWF has been one of the organizations at the forefront of that.

Who was your role model?

My parents for sure, I wouldn’t be who I am, nor have the opportunities that I have today if it wasn’t for the guidance and inspiration that they have given me.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

San Francisco!

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Noah Gross, the level of commitment and dedication that he has shown while facing adversity has been inspiring, and myself and others looked at him as an example of of how to fully embrace the program.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Passive-Aggressive behaviour – I want to get better every day in my relationships, football, work, etc.  Say what you mean and I will take it from there, but I don’t like there being difficulties where there needn’t be any. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My high school biology teacher (and single-season football coach (due to Covid)), John Leckie. He has no ego in the game. He just wants the best for all his players/students and will help in any way he can. I try to visit him whenever I am home and catch up. 

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

Firstly, I have to acknowledge where I come from. I am a healthy, white college student with an intact family and people who love and support me. My parents’ door is always open to me and my friends.  I have bad days, but I can’t come at this without knowing where I come from. Having said that, I lost my Grandmother suddenly when I was 14, and that threw my whole family for a loop. She is watching me now, probably losing it with joy that I am filling out this questionnaire, but I would rather have her here with me to talk to and bounce things off of. I miss her dearly.

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

Maybe a House of Donair. I’m a huge fan of shawarma, donair, kebab, etc. and find myself going back to it all the time.

What is your favourite snack food?

Depends on the mood for sure, but I love baked sweets and pastries.

What is your degree in?

Geology

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

1. Sir David Attenborough. I grew up enjoying all his nature documentaries like Planet Earth, The Blue Planet, etc. He lives his long life with so much integrity and to be at the age he is while still leading a rich life dedicated to conservation efforts is inspiring.
2. Sturgill Simpson. I’m a big fan of his music, and I’d be interested in hearing about his career from his own perspective, and maybe what inspired some of his songs.
3. Charles Barkley. He is someone that I think would have a lot of insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level. At the same time I think he’s probably one of the natural funniest people I’ve ever seen

What is your biggest weakness?

I am not a talker. I am very reserved since I believe not everything needs to be said, and I tend to “keep my own counsel.”  I may come across as arrogant sometimes, and that is not my intention, but I tend to use as few words as I can when talking to people. It’s not rudeness, just a skill I need to work on.