2022 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Phidarian Mathis
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: The University of Alabama
Height:6’4″
Weight: 312 pounds
Stats
Run Stopping
When Mathis clogs the run lanes, occupying multiple blockers, he does so, by moving forward. With feet moving and heavy hands constantly adjusting, the Bama prospect forces the running back to alter his route. When he sheds to make the play, the prospect offers up little room to move. Either flow into him or stay in the backfield a hair longer, allowing linebackers and ends to make the play.
Pass Rush
Steeped in strength Mathis brings an above-average bull rush to the table. By jolting the blocker vertically, the Alabama defensive tackle sets the blocker up for the next move. The swim, with his reach, beats slow-rising guards. That little bit of pass rush nuance should translate at the next level, allowing Mathis to stay on the field in passing situations.
Tackling
Ballcarriers end up dead in their tracks with Mathis. The ability to lock on and drive the target to the ground stands out. As is the case with most interior linemen, Mathis lets power dictate his approach. In short areas, he smothers the target to the ground with the grab and drag, even from side angles.
Intangibles
When Nick Saban, his staff, and teammates see you the same, that bodes well. Mathis’ leadership, from responsibility to accountability resonates within the locker room. While the character narrative can be a bit overplayed, real leadership exudes from Mathis. At the next level, his intelligence and coachability will serve him well.
Raiders Need
If the Raiders, under Josh McDaniels and whatever defensive coordinator he hires switch to a 3-4, they will need a nose tackle. For the last four years, Johnathan Hankins manned the nose spot in the Raiders 4-3. While he remains serviceable, what sits behind him, in the hopes of supplanting? No one. That, and Mathis displays a much higher rush potential than Hankins. The Raiders ranked just below the middle of the pack versus the run. With excellent pass rushers on the edge, the concern still resides in the middle. Enjoying his best season versus the pass, Quinton Jefferson needs the other tackle to take the heat off of him.
Raiders Fit
If the Raiders retain Hankins, drafting Mathis works. Slicing into Hankins’ 567 snaps and absorbing Damion Square’s 185, keeps the middle of the line freshers. Remember, the Raiders defense spent seemingly more time on the field than the offense. Mathis also opens doors in both the 43 and 34. For example, in a 43, Mathis slides in at nose or in certain scenarios the three-technique. Meanwhile, in the 34, the classic nose, lane clogging dynamo needed to keep linebackers clean also fits. With what appears like a Day Two value, could see him fall to the Raiders and right into the tackle rotation.
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