Player Bio
Mathis matriculated from Manor High School in Texas to TCU for the 2018 season, redshirting his first year on campus while playing in four games as a reserve (four tackles). He started all 12 games as a sophomore (40 tackles, nine for loss with 2.5 sacks) and then garnered second-team All-Big 12 accolades in 2020 by tying for fifth in the FBS with nine sacks in 10 starts (among 14 tackles for loss and 46 total stops). Mathis was a second-team pick in 2021, as well, posting seven tackles for loss and tying for the team lead with four sacks among his 45 total stops. He also broke up three passes in 12 starts. He transferred to Nebraska for 2022 with long-time head coach Gary Patterson no longer at TCU, starting twice in 12 appearances (50 tackles, five for loss with 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups). — by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein NFL Analyst
Draft Projection Rounds 6-7
Overview
Mathis’ 2020 season put him on the map as an edge defender to look out for in the future, but he’s failed to hit those production markers since then. He has good size and outstanding length but needs more time in the weight room. He struggles against downhill running attacks but is a slippery tackler who can cast a wide net near his gaps. Mathis’ pressure and sack counts aren’t as high as they should be with his athletic ability and traits. If a team can get him to become a more skilled and attack-oriented rusher, it might find a prospect who outplays his draft slotting as a 3-4 rush linebacker.
Strengths
- Four-year starter with outstanding traits.
- Arms like vines with enormous hands.
- Range to slide down the line and cut off back side.
- Short-area quickness to elude blockers when needed.
- Able to slither around traffic and make challenging tackles.
- Length to develop long-arm rush and counters off of it.
- Flashes agility to bend the edge and flatten tight on the track.
Weaknesses
- Will need to get stronger.
- Struggles to press and separate when blocker finds his frame.
- Gets pushed around by tackles at the point of attack.
- Below-average hand usage in both phases of the game.
- Can be too passive in early stages of the rush.
- Needs to create a workable rush plan with a signature move.