Hercules Mata' Afa DE Washington State

Reminds me of Elvis Dumervil's draft run up

Originally posted by GhostOfBaalke:
Jumping from d line to MLB is ridiculously hard. Completely different positions and responsibilities. Dude never played MLB as far as we know, he damn sure won't learn how to play it in the NFL.

You're right, it's definitely a long term projection. It's going to be difficult to project him anyways because he was a 245lb NT wreaking havoc on centers and guards all year long. I just love the way he uses his hands and gets off blocks. I think his best position is at SAM (and it's where we would probably start him off if drafted).

Originally posted by Heroism:
Let's stop trying to move players away from what they do best.

We keeping him at NT?

No, we're having him do this:

Originally posted by Heroism:

I've been keeping away from this thread, but Mata'afa is a big-time draft crush of mine. I need this guy to be at least 6'2" 245 lbs at the combine and put up electric numbers in the 3-cone and short shuttle that match his tape. He's right there with Jeff Holland as one of my favorite edge players in this draft. His motor and explosiveness are special. No edge rusher has the short-area quickness that Mata'afa has.

One of the difficulties with evaluating Mata'afa is that sparsely played edge, which is his NFL position, but when he did play there, the edge talent jumps off the screen. Dipping and ripping with easy bend--in both his hips and ankles--to run the hoop for Mata'afa. Toes point right at the QB once he's got the corner:



Active hands, easy-bend, and ability to flatten. ✅✅✅ A little hand swipe+swim combo to beat the tackle's punch, create space and capture the edge:

Originally posted by Heroism:
No, we're having him do this:

That, i like :). I've seen MSU, USC, and Utah games and didn't catch much of him on the edge. Love seeing that though.

He's one player I'm gonna try watching more of and see what he does at the combine.

He could be what saleh is looking for.

Weight is going to be important for Mata'afa. If those WSU website numbers check out, it'll boost his stock.

Originally posted by ChaunceyGardner:
Reminds me of Elvis Dumervil's draft run up

I have watched this kid a lot, as i live in Cougs country. its a fair comparison imo. Kid has a real good shot at being a stud. I like him a lot.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by 49AllTheTime:
1st rounder ?

My guess would be early to mid 2nd

I think he ends up going mid/late 1st. Someone is going to love this kid enough to take him in the 1st.

Any comparison to TJ Watt? Clay Matthews?

Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:

Any comparison to TJ Watt? Clay Matthews?

Not really, they were already predominantly edge guys in college, obviously has their motor. Teddy Bruschi in college comes to mind, where he transitions to in the pros will be interesting.

I think Wash St were selfish not to line him up in a position he could play in the pros for a year. Colleges do it all the time to help their prospects, and it's not like they were going to win anything.

Originally posted by IdahoNiner:
I think he ends up going mid/late 1st. Someone is going to love this kid enough to take him in the 1st.

wow I feel like that's pretty generous...I like him a lot but he's a bit of a tweener and the combine will be big for him. Where he played in college isn't where he will play in the pros and there's not much film to go off there.

I see him as a top 100 pick, love the motor and get-off. WSU has him listed at 6-2 252 but a lot of people are saying he's more 6-1 240.

I mean where does he line up? He didn't play the edge in college, I see him having a similar role to Ngakoue in this scheme (that would be best case).

have Solly play base LEO then push him inside on passing plays then throw Mata'afa to that LEO position. could be pretty sweet.

Watched this guy absolutely destroy Utah in real person. He did look small but that didn't stop him from being a one man wrecking ball. One of the most dominate DL performances I've ever watched live and that's saying a lot when Utah has had some great ones.

Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:

Any comparison to TJ Watt? Clay Matthews?

I say he's more of a Clay Matthews with that quick explosive first step. That's winning half of the battle against OLmens.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

I see him as a top 100 pick, love the motor and get-off. WSU has him listed at 6-2 252 but a lot of people are saying he's more 6-1 240.

I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if he weighs in at 252. His body appears undeveloped and nowhere near that 252 number.