2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Elijah Graham, DB, UT Rio Grande Valley

• Name: Elijah Graham
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: UT Rio Grande Valley
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 215
• Twitter: elijah_graham03
• Instagram: ejgraham2

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

I am very versatile. I’ve played many meaningful snaps at different positions. I’ve played snaps at all safety positions, corner and slot corner, outside linebacker. My size, strength and athleticism allow me to be a plug and play guy.

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

I’m gonna come in and work. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder which has pushed me to stay consistent in my work ethic. When I set goals I reach them way more often than not.

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

To young children who live in single parent and broken homes. I grew up in this type of households and it’s hard. I want to be able to provide more resources and guidance to youth in similar situations I was in.

Who was your role model? 

My Papa. My grandpa who passed away in 2021. He had a huge role in raising me as my only present and positive male role model. He was a great man of god and taught me a lot about work ethic and being a respectable man.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Seattle Seahawks

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Austin Trimble. He’s someone who has made a lot of progress since OTAs this summer when we both first transferred here until now and has been making some plays on the field

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Weak competitors. I love the feeling of competition it drives me every day. I’m very passionate about this sport and you need a competitive mentality to win.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My fifth grade teacher Ms Jerome. She was very patient with me but kept it real at the same time. When I’d act out she’d let me know why I was wrong. When I needed support she’d be there for me. Once I got older I really appreciated that and realized that it’s important

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

I’d say one of the hardest moments in my life to overcome was when I was taken away by CPS along with my little sister. We were gone from home for about a year and the whole process even after we got back was very difficult emotionally. I had some behavioral issues from it that I had to fix as well from that whole process, I felt hopeless that I’d amount to anything in life for that period of time.

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

Wingstop

What is your favorite snack food? 

Oreos or most fruits

What is your degree in? 

Sociology

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

1. My Papa because he was the only positive father figure in my life and it’d be great to see him again.
2. My friend Damon Nelson, he had a dawg mentality and was a great person. He was murdered in 2020.
3. My little sister because she’s back in Washington and I haven’t seen her in a while. She’s my best friend

What is your biggest weakness?

Overthinking or over analyzing things is one of my biggest weaknesses. On the field I’d say I need to lower my pad level and be less overreactive when I’m in underneath zones.