NFL DraftProspect Interviews

NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Roger Mann, OLB, UNLV

Roger Mann of UNLV is a force off the edge, and he recently took a minute out of his busy schedule to sit down with Jonathan Joyce of NFL Draft Diamonds.

Player Profile:

  • Roger Mann
  • UNLV
  • OLB
  • 6’3”
  • 250lbs.
  • San Diego, CA
  • Twitter: @rgrmann

2018 Accolades & Statistics:

  • 2018 All-Mountain West Football Honorable Mention.
  • GP: 12
  • Total Tackles: 34
  • TFL: 7.0
  • Sacks: 4.5
  • FF: 1
  • FR: 1

What has been the best part of the process leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft?

I really enjoyed all of the training leading up to Pro Day because it’s fun to see yourself beating the numbers you put up the prior week.

What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?

Anything by Nirvana.

How would your teammates describe you as both a player and person?

My teammates would describe me as a reliable leader. A lead by example type of player. Anybody that knows me would also describe me as goofy and laid back.

How do you and your teammates make practice and film study fun?

We make everything competitive. For example, the other d-lineman and I would compete every day to see who would get the most sacks and the losers would have to do push-ups.

When you are studying film, what is your main focus to gain a competitive advantage?

I like to study the habits of the guys I will be facing. A lot of the time I can pick up on some cues that will tell me which play to expect.

While at the Collegiate level, who has been the toughest player you have competed against?

Nathan Jacobson (UNLV OL – 2015-2018).

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

I am grateful for the journey I’ve had to take to get to this point, and the support I have had from my family through it all.

What team do you choose in Madden? Why?

I like to play with the Bengals because AJ Green is my favorite WR and I just throw bombs to him all game.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to learn how to play an instrument.

What do you value most from your Collegiate experience?

The people that I have met and the friendships that I’ve made.

Who is your personal hero?

My mom.

Tell me something about yourself nobody would know.

When I was a kid I used to love singing opera.

How do you work on yourself?

Every day I challenge myself to be better than the day before.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

My grandma Jean because I would love to sit and talk to her just one more time.

If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?

To teleport because I could be anywhere at any time.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?

Spending the day down at the beach with all my family and friends back home.

Who inspired you as a young athlete?

Junior Seau because he was the face of San Diego sports when I was growing up.

What are the positive attributes that you bring to a professional football team?

Consistency. I come with the same energy and work ethic every day.

Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge.

Having to go the Junior College route was tough because I’ve seen a lot of talented players fall short of making it past that level, but I was able to use that opportunity to refine my game and show all the different plays I can make on a football field.

What one skill would you like to improve on? What’s your plan for doing so?

My bend. I am constantly working on improving my flexibility so that I can continue lowering my pad level.

If you could sack any NFL QB, past or present, who would it be and why?

Tom Brady. Because not many people, even at the highest level, can say they have.

What current/former NFL player do you model your playing style after?

I have similarities to Rob Ninkovich so I like to learn from his game.

What is the best part of your hometown; San Diego, CA?

The weather and the beaches.

If you could go back and tell your High School Freshman self any advice, what would it be?

Start taking lifting seriously now so you can get a head start.

In 15 words or less, give me your pitch to an NFL GM on why you should be a part of their organization.

I am a versatile player that will come every day with a relentless mentality to succeed.

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