Tonight kicks off the 2016 NFL Draft, where former collegiate players from all over the country anxiously wait for as many as three days for one fateful call that could change their lives forever.
This year, as many as five players from Temple will be among those who should not stray too far from their phones.
With mock drafts running rampant online and on television alike in the weeks leading up to this annual event, speculation has become an expected norm in sports media this time of year.
As a result, I have decided to try my hand at predicting exactly where five Owls will land come this weekend.
Tyler Matakevich, LB
Round 3, Pick 71 – New York Giants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeh7bO_W9ms
The heart and soul of Temple’s defense for four seasons, Matakevich was highly productive at the inside linebacker position. He tallied over 100 tackles each season for the Owls and came away with the Bronco Nagurski Award in 2015.
Despite his level of production in college, however, Matakevich is not overly fast, strong or big, which usually leads to teams looking elsewhere initially.
I have the Giants taking the talented redhead in the third round. Matakevich could develop for a season while learning the playbook and with his high football IQ, he may work his way onto the playing field sooner rather than later.
Robby Anderson, WR
Round 5, Pick 158 – Washington Redskins
This former Owls wide receiver had a productive career overall in Philadelphia, hauling in 114 passes for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns over his final two seasons.
Widely viewed as a coachable kid and a good teammate, Anderson did struggle with drops last year. His overall speed is not overly impressive either, although he tends to play faster on game day.
A team looking to add some depth to its receiving corps will take a shot on Anderson. While the fifth round may be a bit of a reach, the Redskins decide to pull the trigger here. With a few years of seasoning, Anderson could be moderately productive at the NFL level.
Matt Ioannidis, DL
Round 5, Pick 161 – Cincinnati Bengals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mISrfYedOjQ
Ioannidis, who showed great versatility playing both defensive tackle and defensive end during his time at Temple, was an impactful presence along the defensive line. He boasts great power and has proven to be tough to run against.
At the next level, though, it will be interesting to see how he matches up against bigger, stronger opponents. His pass-rushing skills leave a little to be desired and he may struggle against NFL talent.
Nonetheless, the Bengals will give him a call on Day 3 of the draft. Cincinnati has been searching for help in the middle of the defensive line and adding another big body seems imminent.
Tavon Young, CB
Round 6, Pick 188 – Philadelphia Eagles
Young played a solid cornerback during his time at Temple, blossoming into a shutdown corner his senior year despite having surgery on his left knee prior to the season. In his breakout junior campaign, Young recorded four interceptions while leading the conference in return yards (153).
The biggest knock on Young is his small stature – he stands just 5-foot-9 and only weighs 183 pounds. With that said, his ball skills and the fact that he tends to play bigger than he is should net him an opportunity.
The Eagles, who have a habit of taking smaller players that showcase their talents in college (DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin come to mind) will go to the well once more and select Young after he falls to them in the sixth round.
If this prediction comes to fruition, it could be one of the draft’s bigger steals.
Kyle Friend, C
Round 7, Pick 239 – Indianapolis Colts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z_ApDnRgF4
A three-time team captain, Friend showed tremendous leadership and blocking ability on a regular basis throughout his career with Temple. Even though he possesses plenty of power in his 6-foot-2, 305-pound frame, Friend has the quickness to be effective in the screen game as well.
The Colts, who are looking to upgrade the offensive line this year after star quarterback Andrew Luck missed time due to injury in 2015, would be well served to give Friend a shot if he falls to them here in the seventh round. He can play both guard and center and could develop into a solid depth piece for an NFL team.
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