The 2022 NFL Draft is weak at the interior DL position, which would mean Phidarian Mathis should go higher than some might expect in the draft. Mathis really showed his full potential in his senior year this past season, totaling 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in 2022. He was a permanent defensive captain for the Crimson Tide in 2021, and earned himself a second-team All-SEC, along with an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
During his first three seasons at Alabama, Mathis was mostly rotating on the DL before finally earning himself a starting spot as a senior. Alabama’s track record on the DL can’t be ignored, and that will help boost Mathis’ stock a hair. The Crimson Tide have had eight interior defensive linemen go in the first two rounds in the past six drafts.
Position: DT
Height:6’4
Weight: 310
Year: Senior
Pros
- Has nice mobility, and can shrug off defenders. Was able to total 9 sacks & 10.5 tackles for loss while getting double teamed most of the season.
- Hard to move him off his spot
- Opens gaps for his LBs to fly through
- Excellent run-stuffer
Cons
- First step off the ball could be better, needs to improve his quickness as a pass rusher.
- Being a fourth-year player, that may be what you’re getting from Mathis as a pass rusher, but his ability as a run defender will help you deal with that
- While having a strong upper body, Mathis still has a hard time winning as a power rusher.
Overview
Mathis, through four seasons, has shown to be a very good run-stuffing tackle, with some work to do as a pass rusher. However, you won’t get much more growth from him as a pass rusher at this point in his career. If you take him, you’re drafting a very good run stuffer/average pass rusher.
Round projection: Second round
Team fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Las Vegas Raiders
Player comparison: Dalvin Tomlinson
