Gang Green Nation
Over the next few months, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at some of the late season signings who are under contract for 2026, and futures signings after the end of the season. We continue today with edge defender Ochaun Mathis, who was added to the practice squad late last year and signed a futures deal after the season.
The 27-year old Mathis is listed at 6’5″ and 260 pounds and was a sixth round pick out of Nebraska in 2023 having also played at TCU. He has played 14 NFL games, recording five tackles, a quarterback hit and a forced fumble.
Background
Mathis was a three-star high school recruit and headed to TCU where he played four games in 2018 and then redshirted.
Over the next three seasons, he started 34 games and had over 40 tackles in each season with a total of 30 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. His best season, for which he earned second team all-Big 12 recognition, was 2020, in which he had 9.5 sacks in 10 games. However, he also earned second team recognition in 2021.
After the 2021 season, Mathis entered the transfer portal and opted to move to Nebraska. However, he was mostly in a rotational role with the Cornhuskers, starting just two games. He was productive, though, with a career-high 48 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Mathis attended the 2023 scouting combine, after which he was rated as a potential late-round pick and ended up getting selected in the sixth round by the Rams.
After a training camp injury meant he missed preseason and the start of the regular season, Mathis struggled to crack the rotation. He ultimately made eight appearances as a rookie and had just two tackles and a hit.
In 2024, he was among the Rams’ final cuts and ended up on New England’s practice squad from where he made it onto their active roster and had two tackles and a forced fumble in five appearances. However, he was released in November.
The Eagles then signed Mathis to their practice squad and he made one appearance, with one tackle, down the stretch.
He did not play in the NFL this season, despite spending time with the Eagles, Titans and Browns. The Jets signed him to their practice squad in late December but did not elevate him for any games. They did sign him to a futures deal after the season, though.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Mathis brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Mathis has an average sized frame but terrific length and some of his combine numbers were good. He ran a 4.73 in the 40-yard dash and posted 21 bench press reps, along with above average explosiveness and agility numbers. He improved his broad jump by another five inches at his pro day.
There are times on film when it is apparent he could benefit from adding some strength.
Usage
Mathis has...
