Measurables
- 6‘5 Height
- 272 lb. Weight
2025 Stats
- 50 Pressures
- 13.8% Pressure Rate
- 8 QB Hits
- 6 Sacks
- 83.5 Pass Rush Grade
- 3 Batted Passes
- 17 Solo Tackles
- 11 Assist Tackles
- 20 Run Stops
- 14 Missed Tackles (33.3%)
- 2 Forced Fumbles
Awards/Accolades
- 2024 First Team All Big10 (Media), 2024 Second Team All Big10 (Coaches)
- Polynesian Player of the Year Finalist (2024)
- Lombardi Award Semifinalist (2025, for top linemen/linebackers)
Strengths
- His signature move, the cross chop, is highly effective. He uses his long arms very effectively to keep blockers off of him.
- Moves very well for a bigger Defensive End. Very Flexible and Bendy with a surprisingly quick first step. Low Body Fat, lot of good weight on his frame.
- Inside/Outside rusher, can play outside and over the tackle with occasional snaps in the B gap as a Defensive Tackle. Has done well on stunts as a looper as well as the crasher.
- Strong awareness of where the ball is at all times, isn’t fooled by play fakes, RPO’s, or trick plays. Can smell a screens like a bloodhound and disrupts it accordingly.
- Sets a hard edge in the run game, strong anchor and good stance to hold up at the point of attack against both down blockers and pullers.
- Uses his arm length well to bat passes down at the line. Can also drop back into coverage on zone plays in the flats at times.
- Motor runs hot, always putting effort and has a few chase-down tackles on tape.
Weaknesses
- Needs more pass rush variety and counters, often reliant on his cross chop or a long arm. Adding speed to power, bull rush, and swim move with his length and get off could be game-changing. Hands need more speed and activeness.
- Despite size and length, doesn’t have the most physical playstyle, often trying to win with finesse and bend on the outside shoulder instead.
- Bad habit of setting his anchor in the wrong spot, getting out of position of the play and opening up a lane. Tries to recover with diving tackle attempts, but the misses from that position added to his missed tackle rate a lot in 2025.
Draft Projection
Round 2 Grade
Matayo was ranked #45 on my initial Big Board Top 100, so there is a good chance he could be available by the time the Colts pick at the 47th Overall Pick. His length, first step, bend, and flexibility is rare mix for a player of his size. If he can unlock more of the power aspect of his game in the pass rush department, he could take a major step forward in the pros.
Combine this with his versatility to line up from the 5i inside to the Wide 9 outside and this experienced DE can be a weapon to attack weak...
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