Phidarian Mathis NT Alabama: Scouting Report

Height: 6’4’’

Weight: 310

Overall

Phidarian Mathis is a powerful defensive tackle in Alabama’s 3-4 hybrid defense. He lined up primarily as a nose tackle/1-technique while occasionally lining up in the 3-technique. In his 4 college seasons, he played in 55 games, starting 29 of them. He was often used on a rotation but when he was on the field, he played with a lot of toughness and had good production against some the best competition in college football.

Run Game

In the run game, Mathis does a good job of extending his arms and using his length to create separation with his man and read the play. He has good lateral movement skills to fill the gap on either side of him making him a true 2-gap nose tackle. On outside runs, he gets a good vertical push to help eat up space. He plays with a lot of effort, and he consistently pursues the play until the whistle. He is a strong tackler and once he contacts the ball-carrier they very rarely escaped his hold.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Mathis has an inconsistent first step off the line. He usually has a slow initial reaction but at times, he shows good speed and explosiveness to get around his man and into the pocket. He has a strong initial punch and has the strength to bull rush his man and collapse the pocket. He has good hand technique as a pass rusher as well. On film, he shows the ability to rip/pull his man to get to the quarterback. Once around his man and in the pocket though he struggles making tackles in the open field. He had very good sack production this past season and will be a very strong pass-rushing nose tackle in the NFL.

Last Word

Phidarian Mathis projects best as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. He has the lateral movement abilities to play both A gaps against the run and has the technique to get to the quarterback as a pass-rusher. His pass-rushing skills will allow him to excel on third downs and his power will allow him to be used on special teams.

One-Liner: Phidarian Mathis is a high-floor nose tackle who can be an immediate contributor with his size, power, and technique but his lack of consistent explosiveness will limit his chances of becoming an elite player.

Grade: 6.7 (Lower End Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2021 – Georgia, Ole Miss, Miami

Team Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos