Tyler Matakevich NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Steelers Rookie

POSITIVES

Tyler Matakevich was a four-year starter at Temple and the lifeblood of the program during that time. The 2015 Bronko Nagurski Award winner and a three-time first-team All-AAC performer, Matakevich is among the most decorated guys in the draft class.

Matakevich is a powerful downhill player, showing excellent tackle production and the ability to disrupt the pocket. His recognition and awareness make for excellent reads overall and allow him to be in on plays he shouldn’t be athletically. With momentum behind him, Matakevich can be tough to stop at the point of attack.

A solid in-the-box coverage linebacker, Matakevich projects to the middle of the field if kept in on passing downs. He wins with timing in coverage and when attacking the backfield as a delayed rusher. He has the instincts to shoot through A- and B-gaps to make plays on the passer.

NEGATIVES

Matakevich had impressive production at Temple but lacks the three things NFL scouts want in a linebacker—strength, speed and size. With an undersized, filled-out frame, Matakevich doesn’t have much room to grow athletically.

A slow mover through space, Matakevich has little impact on runs outside the tackle box. His clunky, heavy feet limit his change-of-direction skills. When asked to run in coverage, he is a liability to keep pace with players up the seam and on breaking routes. An overall lack of quickness and burst is an issue.

An arm-tackler in pursuit, Matakevich misses too many plays by not squaring up to the ball. He loses rushing lanes when approached by lead blockers and can’t re-anchor with poor play power. If he overruns the ball, he’s out of the play because of poor agility and speed.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 238 lbs.

40 Time: 4.81s

3-Cone: 7.19s

Short Shuttle: 4.34s

PRO COMPARISON: Amarlo Herrera, Indianapolis Colts
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)