Tyler Matakevich, Temple LB: 2016 NFL Draft Profile

Tyler Matakevich

College: Temple

Position: Linebacker

Height/Weight: 6-0/238

College Stats: 493 tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles.

One of the most productive players to ever come from the college ranks, Tyler Matakevich ended his storied college career with nearly 500 tackles, All-American honors, and was also awarded the Chuck Bednarik and Bronco Nagurski Awards. Matakevich was the only player in the entire FBS to lead his team in tackles in every single game of the season. He is only one of seven players to ever earn four 100+ tackle seasons.

Matakevich is one of the true character guys in this draft. He was not blessed with the physical abilities of some of the top players in this draft, but has been able to outproduce everyone during his time at Temple. He was the main cog in turning that program from a cellar dweller to hosting ESPN Gameday.

Pros:

Some players just flat out produce. Matakevich has a nose for the football and knows how to make tackles. He studies extensively and uses his natural instincts to know where to be and make a play. Play action fakes rarely fool him and he is more than serviceable in the passing game with five interceptions in 2015. He is a better defender in zone coverage than in man coverage.

He is an aggressive and downhill player that is always looking to find any advantage he can get versus the offense. Matakevich does an excellent job of shooting gaps and finding himself in the backfield to make a tackle. He ended his career with 40 tackles for loss from his linebacker spot.

Cons:

Size and strength. NFL teams love the mental makeup of Matakevich, but are afraid that he will not be able to handle the physical aspect of playing in the NFL. He is 6-0, 238 pounds and many in the scouting community think he will be lost in the mass of humanity on running plays. His size almost immediately takes him off some draft boards.

His aggressive play in getting to the ball carrier sometimes works to his detriment as he is known come in out of control and miss tackles. He must get better at breaking down and not allowing ball carriers to avoid him.

Where will Matakevich get drafted?

Mock drafts have been all over the board concerning Matakevich. Some have him going as high as the third round and some have him falling to the sixth round. His most likely landing spot will be in the fourth round, a round that NFL teams are more willing to take a chance on a player that has a very high upside.

My prediction is that he goes to Green Bay with the #125 pick in the fourth round.