2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Adrian Bowers Jr., LB, Chicago State University

• Name: Adrian Bowers Jr.
• Position: Linebacker (LB/OLB)
• College: Chicago State University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 215 lbs
• Twitter: @Bowersaj7
• Instagram: @Hel17aiser

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

What separates me from other linebackers is my versatility, physicality, leadership, and ability to overcome adversity. I’m an aggressive, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can stop the run, rush the passer, and contribute in coverage. I’ve competed at both Division II and Division I FCS levels, proving that I can adapt to different levels of competition. I’ve been an All-Conference linebacker, a team captain, and a conference champion. I bring consistency, a strong work ethic, and the mentality of someone who has had to earn every opportunity.

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

One of the biggest challenges of my life was tearing my ACL in 2024. Football had always been a major part of my identity, and having the game taken away from me was mentally and physically challenging. Instead of letting the injury define me, I used it as motivation. I attacked rehabilitation, became a better student of the game, and continued developing as a leader. Eventually, I returned to the field and earned all conference honors, lead my team in tackling and earned an opportunity to play Division I football at Chicago State on a full scholarship. That experience taught me discipline, patience, and how to lead even when I couldn’t contribute physically.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football, I enjoy cutting hair, working with young athletes, spending time with my dogs, and exploring entrepreneurship. I’ve worked as a barber apprentice and coached youth sports. I also enjoy creating content and building my personal brand through social media. I want to use my platform to motivate younger generations, especially kids who come from backgrounds similar to mine.

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

I see myself being a versatile linebacker who can contribute defensively in the run game or pass effectively and immediately make an impact on special teams. I’m comfortable playing inside or outside, stopping the run, blitzing, and pursuing the football. I understand that earning a role in the NFL starts with doing whatever the team needs. Whether that’s special teams, rotational linebacker, or eventually becoming a starter, I’m willing to work for every opportunity.

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

I would donate to programs that support children growing up in poverty, especially underserved communities in Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago. Growing up in the projects in north Columbus, I understand what it’s like to have limited resources and opportunities. I want to help provide young people with mentorship, education, sports programs, and resources that show them their circumstances don’t determine their future.

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

I’m a coachable player because I understand that correction is part of development. I don’t take criticism personally. I want to understand what I did wrong, why it was wrong, and how to fix it. If a coach has to correct me repeatedly, that’s a sign I need to improve my execution. Being coached at a high level pushes me to limits I didn’t know I had until I reached them and it brings the best out of me. I believe the best players are the ones who can accept coaching, apply it, and make sure the same mistakes don’t continue happening.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

I’d say Armani Itote. He’s someone who consistently puts in the work, does the little things correctly, and contributes to the team without always receiving recognition. He plays at a high level whenever he’s on the field and it shows, hard to miss 0. I respect players who show up every day and do their jobs regardless of how much attention they receive.

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

I would choose Ray Lewis, LeBron James, and my younger self. Ray Lewis because of his leadership, passion, and understanding of the linebacker position. LeBron James because he came from Ohio, overcame adversity, and built a legacy beyond sports through business and community involvement. Lastly, I’d want to sit down with my younger self and show him that everything he went through had a purpose. I’d remind him to keep believing in himself because his circumstances don’t define his future.

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

It would probably be because I was trying to do too much instead of trusting my assignment. As a linebacker, I naturally want to make every play, but I understand that discipline and execution are more important than chasing statistics. I’ve learned that trusting the defensive scheme, maintaining gap integrity, and doing my job ultimately creates opportunities for everyone on the defense. A lot of times the Dennis Rodman aspect of play is the best game to play for team success. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine.

My pre-game routine starts with making sure I’m mentally prepared. I listen to music, review my assignments, and visualize different situations I might face throughout the game. I focus on the opposing offense’s tendencies, formations, and my responsibilities. Once I get to the stadium, I work through my mobility exercises, stretching, and position-specific warmups. Before kickoff, I remind myself of everything I’ve overcome to get to that moment. When I step onto the field, my focus is on playing fast, physical, and disciplined football.

What is your favorite snack food?

Açaí bowls, can never go around with them. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I feel most comfortable in an aggressive, multiple-front defense, particularly a 3-4 or a 4-2-5 scheme. I’ve played for 5 different defensive coordinators in my college career so adapting has always been something I’ve had to use in my game. My versatility allows me to play inside or outside linebacker, attack downhill against the run, rush off the edge, and contribute in different pressure packages. I enjoy defenses that allow linebackers to play fast, create disruption, and use their athleticism while still being disciplined with their assignments.

What is your degree in?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Regents Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia State University in May 2026, with academic coursework focused on criminal justice and sports-related studies. I continued my education at Chicago State University while pursuing graduate studies.

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

The first thing I’d do is make sure my family is taken care of. Coming from a background where financial stability wasn’t always guaranteed, being able to provide for the people who supported me would mean more than buying something expensive for myself. I would also invest a portion of that money into building long-term financial security and opportunities for my family.

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

There have been situations where I’ve been overly aggressive trying to make a play and ended up taking myself out of position. As a linebacker, one false step or incorrect read can create an opportunity for the offense. When that happens, I don’t let one mistake affect the rest of my performance. I communicate with my teammates, make the necessary adjustment, and focus on executing the next assignment. Football is about having a short memory while still learning from your mistakes.

Name three songs we can expect on your playlist.

1. FCG Heem: Reality
2. No cap: Let it Go
3. YFN Lucci: Look What I Did