2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kevin Whalen, OL, SUNY Cortland

• Name: Kevin Whalen
• Position: Offensive Line/Tackle
• College: SUNY Cortland
• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 280lbs
• Twitter: KevinWhalen75
• Instagram: kevin_whalen2

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

I fell in love with the grind, there’s something so rewarding about putting in time and sweat off the field, that when you get back onto the field, seeing the work that you put in pay off is special. That is what drives me to compete every single day, in the gym, film room, getting extra reps, perfecting your craft, it is something that you can only do for so long, so you have to make it count. Being a football player at any level is a privilege, and understanding that, has helped me grow into the player I am, which is what makes me valuable to any team. 

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

Junior year of college, coming off of a national championship, playing some of the best football in my life, in our second game I suffered a season ending injury. This flipped my life upside down, football was one of the brightest things in my life, and when this happened, I had no clue if I would ever play again. After surgery, all everyone told me was that you had to show up everyday and put in the time, or you won’t be the same, and that is what I did. Spending at least an hour in the training room every single day, doing the same things over and over for the first three months, felt like a punishment. I realized that this is what it is all about, I had to reinvent many things about myself, the way I do things, how I act, and it was all for the better. Seeing the slow progress over the 9 months of rehab, and then seeing it pay off was such an incredible feeling. Coming back to play my senior year, winning our conference, collecting some awards was something that seemed so far away. Now I see the game a completely different way, everything has slowed down, and I am much more critical on the field. This has motivated me to come back and play my final year, I want to fulfill my potential and see where it takes me.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I’ve always been passionate about being an entrepreneur, this has led me down many different avenues, exploring so many things, while gaining valuable life experiences and perspectives. During the last 4 years of college, I’ve always been in on some idea, trying to make something work out, which has taught me so much. This summer I’ve gotten into professional video and photo work, which has allowed me to travel to many cool places, and meet great people. Outside of that, the gym is like a second home to me, being away for more than a day or two and I might go crazy. Along with video work I have done marketing work for many small businesses around Cortland and Syracuse, which has been something very rewarding. Being able to help those that are in smaller communities is a great feeling.

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

I would see myself as the consistent player that never needs to be questioned. The basics are the most important aspect that many seem to overlook, whether it is showing up on time to meetings, going to treatment everyday, knowing the playbook in and out, these are what move the needle for you as a player, and these are what the coaches need to worry about least. Being consistent in every aspect involving football is so important, when you can handle that everything on the field comes easy.

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

If I could donate to one cause, it would be making healthy food more affordable and accessible to everyone. Learning to make healthier food choices has helped me lose a significant amount of weight and has completely changed my life. It taught me discipline, consistency, and the importance of taking care of myself. Through this journey, I’ve grown stronger both physically and mentally, gained confidence, and developed a healthier relationship with food. I would want others to have access to the same opportunities, knowledge, and nutritious foods that helped me become a healthier and better version of myself.

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

I handle coaching with an open mind because I know every correction is an opportunity to improve. I don’t take criticism personally, I listen, ask questions if I need clarification, and focus on applying the feedback immediately. If a coach has to correct me repeatedly, I take accountability and put in extra work until I get it right. My journey in life taught me discipline, humility, and consistency. I want coaches to know they can challenge me, hold me accountable, and trust that I’ll keep working.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

George Gelaj. This is a very tough one, Cortland is a special place, everyone is bought into one idea, if we put in the work, play our part, do our 1/11every play, we can win. There are so many names I could mention, but George is probably one of the hardest workers I’ve ever come across. I don’t think I’ve seen someone in the public gym in the offseason, even in season more than him. The amount of times he’s asked me to go to the field and get some 1 on 1s in is crazy, even when I was hurt, he was always there to ask me when I was healthy enough to get in some reps. His growth in the 4 years at Cortland is incredible, being behind an all american, a captain and another upperclassman his first 2 years had to have been tough, but I believe that motivated him even more. I think he is someone that can excel at the next level and I hope he does.

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

I would choose Tom Brady, Marcus Aurelius, and Kobe Bryant. I’ve always been a Patriots fan, so I’d want to ask Brady about his preparation, leadership, and how he maintained such a high standard throughout his career. I’ve read some of Marcus Aurelius’ work, and his ideas about discipline, resilience, and controlling what you can control have influenced how I approach challenges and life. Kobe was the first athlete whose jersey I bought as a kid, so he helped shape my earliest understanding of competitiveness and work ethic. All three have influenced me at different stages of my life, and I’d want to learn how they developed the mindsets that made them great.

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

If I were benched tomorrow, the most likely reason would be that I hadn’t executed my assignment consistently enough to earn the coaches’ trust. I would take responsibility, study the film, ask exactly what needs to improve, and put in the extra work to correct it. I wouldn’t complain or disconnect from the team, I’d continue supporting my teammates while earning my opportunity back. Being benched would be feedback, not a reason to quit. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

Get to team breakfast at 8, eat a lot, eggs, bagel, bacon, fruit, the works. Relax for a little after, start heading to the field, then once I get to the field I like to get loose, walk around and feel out the environment. I like to use this time to envision every type of rep I can see from the opposing defense, on both ends of the field, imagining which end will be lining up against me, running through their tendencies, envisioning what will happen. After that I head back to the locker room, go to the training room and start any type of prep I need for the game, warm whirlpool, getting my hips, shoulders, knees and ankles mobile and ready to go. Throughout this time, I’ll have my headphones on, queuing songs for the next hour to get me into a mental state, of calmness, slowly building up the excitement. Ill have my headphones on right until the last minute before our group heads out, with each song picked to build the anticipation and energy.

What is your favorite snack food? 

PB&J. Such an easy and timeless classic, I could have 5 a day if I wanted to, gets you a little bit of everything, taste, nutrients, energy, very cheap and they’re good. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I feel I fit best in a physical, run-first offense where the offensive line is expected to set the tone. I developed in a balanced offense, which gave me experience in both pass protection and the run game, but moving into a run-heavy system has allowed me to embrace the physical side of my position even more. I enjoy coming off the ball, sustaining blocks, and helping establish the offense’s identity. There’s something about the feeling of seeing a defense defeated, whether that’s the 3rd quarter or the last snap, when they finally give up after dominating them all game that drives me. At the same time, I don’t consider myself scheme-dependent, I’m coachable, adaptable, and willing to learn whatever system helps the team win.

What is your degree in? 

I majored in Sport Management, with a minor in economics, and I am pursuing my Graduate degree with Cortland’s Sport Management program. 

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

I would go to my Mom and hand her a blank check, she has been the most important person in my life, and there aren’t enough words to describe how much she has impacted me in my life. She has dedicated so much time and effort into supporting me and seeing me succeed, so she has the keys to get anything she wants. Other than that, I would get her any car she’d want, fix up my childhood home where we’ve been my whole life and anything else she would want.

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

Easy, first snap of the semi-finals my sophomore year, biggest game I have played in to date, play action pass, I go to block the end, get push pulled in almost the blink an eye, luckily, we have a stud quarterback, he’s able to get the ball out quick and we move on. After that play we drive down and score with ease. By the end of the half, we’re up 35-7, the other team can sense their season is over, and we keep grinding out yards and touchdowns. Our coach hammered the idea into our head of a next play mentality, this is what allowed me to bounce back immediately and get my feet under me, playing one of the best games of the season after that snap.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

This is tough, my main playlist has 2000 songs, I’ve been adding bangers since 9th grade on here, Drake, Gunna, NBA Youngboy, Logic. Top 3 songs I’d say Under Pressure-Logic, Freestyle-Lil Baby, and Let Go My Hand-J Cole.