Grading System

ROBERT MATHIS

Position: OLB Class: Sr School: Ala. A&M Conference: SWAC Ht., Wt.: 6'0, 225 40 Time: 4.72 Grade: 3.4 Selected by Indianapolis Colts Round 5, pick 3 (138 overall)

BIO: Four-year starter and All-Conference selection the past two seasons as well as SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2002. Totaled 60-30.5-20 as a senior, leading the conference in both tackles for loss and sacks. Also broke up eight passes and led the league with 10 forced fumbles. Posted 37-15-9 as a junior despite missing the end of the season with injury after 67-32-13 as a sophomore. For the most part lined up in a three-point stance at defensive end throughout college. POSITIVES: Explosive, hard hitting defender who projects off the line of scrimmage to outside linebacker. Quick off the snap, displays an explosive first step and plays with leverage. Fast moving up the field, fluid altering his angle of attack and flatens then pursue the ball carrier from the backside with speed. Rarely off his feet, redirects to the action well and works hard throughout the play. Decent head for the ball and does a solid job reading or anticipating the action as it unfolds. Covers a good amount of area when asked to play off the line of scrimmage. NEGATIVES: Takes off up the field and over-pursues the action on occasion. Shows only a short burst of speed which he cannot sustain over the long haul. ANALYSIS: A project in the works but his athleticism, tenacity and intelligence gives him the upper hand. May be better suited for outside linebacker in a three-four scheme and a prospect who should flourish on special teams at the next level. PROJECTION: Early Seventh Round