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2025 NFL Draft Profile: TE Moliki Matavao, UCLA

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Matthew Brown | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 3:06 PM ET

Moliki Matavao finally found his footing at the collegiate level after transferring to UCLA as a sophomore. His final two seasons helped him develop as a receiver but there are still areas in his game that need improvement. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report on the 22-year-old from Nevada.

More 2025 NFL Draft Profiles

Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of UCLA TE Moliki Matavao

Measurables:

6’ 6”
260 lbs

2025 NFL Combine Results:

40-Yard Dash: 4.81 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.60 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32.5”
Broad Jump: 9’ 6”

Player Background:

Moliki Matavao was ranked as a four-star recruit coming out of Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada. Not only was he the top-ranked player in his state, but he was one of the most sought after tight end recruits in the 2021 cycle. Despite receiving offers from Alabama, Penn State and Georgia, he eventually enrolled with the University of Oregon.

Matavao didn’t make the impact many thought he would with the Ducks. He managed just 19 receptions, 209 receiving yards and two touchdowns despite playing in 26 games over his first two collegiate seasons. The offensive scheme didn’t feature him much and that led Matavao to enter the transfer portal following his sophomore season.

As a three-star transfer, he committed to the UCLA Bruins and immediately set career highs in receptions, receiving yards and yards per reception. This past season, he led the Bruins with 41 receptions and 506 receiving yards. Matavao totalled 55 receptions, 789 yards and four touchdowns in his final two collegiate seasons. The decision to transfer helped him develop at the college level and showcase himself as an offensive weapon.

Accolades:

2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl Participant
John Mackey Award preseason watch list (2024)
Honorable Mention All-PAC-12 (2023)

Best Tools/Pros:

Moliki Matavao is at his best when working against zone coverage. He settles himself into windows that don’t always force the quarterback to be perfect in terms of accuracy. His initial burst off the line is impressive and gives him the upper hand when working down the seam. He catches defenders off guard for how smooth he is for a player with his size. His footwork is pretty clean and allows him to keep separation while working between zones.

First TD of the year for Moliki Matavao!

UCLA 35, Stanford 0
4:56 – 3rd quarter

: ESPN
: https://t.co/rTM1Y5UurH #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/2k0xiBV8Yb

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) October 22, 2023

Matavao works incredibly well as a receiving threat working underneath. He has some of the best hands at his position in the draft this year and is quick to transition from the catch to the run. His large frame gives the quarterback a security blanket on third down especially when you consider his hands and high-point ability. He doesn’t struggle with defenders around him and consistently fights to pick up extra yardage.

Tools to Improve/Cons:

Many would expect a player with the size of Moliki Matavao to be a better blocker than he currently is. He isn’t developed as a blocker and was never asked to do much of it at Oregon and UCLA. His inability to latch on to defenders and anchor himself is concerning especially when his power doesn’t show up at all in the blocking game. He’ll need to play lower at the point of attack if he hopes to stay on an NFL field for more than two downs.

There isn’t much explosiveness in the way Matavao runs his routes. He doesn’t explode in and out of his breaks and can struggle to separate against man coverage. While he has the size to be a mismatch in the receiving game, he doesn’t have the athleticism to scare defensive backs or linebackers. With less than 100 career receptions, Matavao isn’t a refined route runner and will need more exposure in an offense to grow as a receiver.

Potential Team Fits:

NFL Projection:

If Moliki Matavao can refine his blocking skills, he should be able to contribute at the NFL level as an in-line tight end. He has the potential to be extremely reliable on third down or working underneath. Front offices may see him as a late-round selection that can contribute later in his rookie contract. The production over his last two seasons at the college level is concerning but there is a lot to be desired as an athlete and a blocker.