Temple hosted its annual pro day on Wednesday, with a large group of football seniors taking the field to show NFL scouts and personnel in attendance they have the skills necessary to make it at the professional level.
Among those putting their talents on display were Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich, defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and cornerback Tavon Young, each of whom were NFL Combine invitees last month.
Matakevich, Ioannidis, and Young all looked excellent today as well. After today, I expect 5 Owls to be drafted. #NFLDraft #TempleProDay
— Ryan Wallen (@RyanWallen247) March 16, 2016
While each player has a strong shot of advancing to the next level and being productive NFL contributors, Matakevich’s leadership and consistency on the field should give him a leg up on his teammates.
After being discovered by Owls coach Matt Rhule during his first year at the helm, Matakevich joined the squad and had an instant impact. Playing in all 13 games his first season, the red-headed wrangler roped in 101 tackles, becoming the first freshman to ever hit the century mark in school history.
In his sophomore season, Matakevich recorded 137 tackles, one sack and one interception before tallying 117 more tackles his junior year. He also added another interception and 1.5 sacks to his career total.
During his fourth and final year with the program, Matakevich became just the seventh player in FBS history to record 100 tackles in all four years of his collegiate career when he logged an impressive 138 tackles, 4.5 sacks and five INTs.
He also broke the school record for career tackles (493), was named AAC Defensive Player of the Year and even beat out Alabama’s Reggie Ragland (a favorite to go in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft) for the Chuck Bednarik Award while leading Temple to the inaugural AAC championship against the Houston Cougars.
All in a day’s work.
Currently ranked as the fourth-best inside linebacker and the 101st overall prospect according to CBSsports.com, Matakevich is projected to be drafted as high as the third round. With the sheer number of teams in need of depth at the linebacker position this year, however, I would not rule out hearing Matakevich’s name called in the end of the second round, either.
But with that being said, we have seen award-winning college players make the leap to the NFL and not pan out in the past, so what is it exactly that leads me to believe this Owl has what it takes to soar at the next level?
Matakevich has outstanding quickness, both mentally and physically. He is able to read what the offense is doing and react accordingly without much wasted motion, while his quick burst and strong hands allows him to shed the blocks of the offensive linemen.
In addition, Matakevich is an above-average talent at blitzing the quarterback, which is a coveted trait in the NFL, and should have enough football smarts to play well in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme.
I can envision a team like the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts or New York Giants drafting Matakevich anywhere from the late second to late third round. If he lasts any longer than that, I would consider his selection a steal for whichever franchise is fortunate enough to pick him up.
Regardless of where he is drafted and which team selects him, the heart and soul of one of the nation’s top defenses is ready to tackle any challenge that comes his way.
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