Film Watched: Clemson 2021, Wake Forest 2021, Syracuse 2019
Pro's:
Tough, thick frame that oozes power
Physically dominant at the line of scrimmage, altering an receivers entry into his route stem
Suffocates receivers throughout their route, leeching on and staying for the ride
Aggressive at the point of catch, thrusting his hands inside the receiver and targeting the ball
Junk yard dog mentality, and will not back down from any contest
Tackles with reckless abandon. Loves to steam downhill and give an opponent a hit to remember
Plays with good instincts in zone; understands what’s happening and how best to negate threats
Shows good anticipation and click and close speed to attack the football
Con's:
Length will make affecting the catch point a problem at the next level
Straddles the line between aggressive and out of control
Prone to flags as he gets too handsy beyond the allotted five yards
Short arms compensated for with more intensity, and missed tackles are often as a result
Has the short-area quicks to stay in phase, but will slowly cede separation with limited long speed
The Verdict:
“Damarri Mathis is someone you’d want backing you up if trouble found you down a dark alley. Physical doesn’t begin to describe the ferociousness with which Mathis plays the game of football; the former Pitt cornerback relishes contact, subduing receivers off the snap and making them wish they’d never caught the football with his tackling. If anything, Mathis may need reining in a bit; his no holds barred approach can compromise his effectiveness, and he’ll have to add some finesse to his game if he’s to avoid being flagged to death by the referees. I’m not sure he can escape his length limitations on the outside in the NFL, but he’s a perfect candidate for special teams duties and I can see him developing into a slot corner who can give tight ends and ‘big slot’ receivers a real run for their money. Mathis is going to be fun to watch on Sundays.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.