Scott Matlock shifted around the formation, moved his feet, and advanced toward the quarterback – all to ensure the play was over.
Utah State possessed the ball while trailing 7-0 early in the second quarter of a Mountain West game this past season facing third and 12. Boise State brought pressure with four players, and one of them was Matlock.
Though he’s an interior defensive lineman, Matlock started the play standing up as a linebacker but then crept toward the line of scrimmage. When a guard began blocking him, he went around the edge on a stunt.
And when an offensive tackle tried stopping him, Matlock cut back toward the inside and brought Utah State’s quarterback to the ground, forcing a punt.
Matlock can do plenty for a defense, including at the NFL level.
What Team Drafted Scott Matlock?
Scott Matlock was drafted by the Chargers in round 6, No. 200 overall.
Scott Matlock Stats And Highlights
Matlock has earned all-conference accolades each of the past three seasons. He was an All-Mountain West honorable mention in 2020 and made the all-conference second team in 2021 and 2022.
Last season, he totaled a career-high 49 tackles with 26 solo tackles and six tackles for loss. He also had 2.5 sacks and a pass defended.
He was also disruptive in 2021, as he racked up 8.5 TFLs and seven sacks to go with two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and a pass defended. He had 41 tackles that season and ended his career with 115 total tackles.
He also caught a touchdown each of the past two years, highlighting his athleticism and versatility.
According to Pro Football Focus, Matlock pressured the quarterback 28 times with 20 hurries and five hits in 2022.
Scott Matlock Draft Projection
Matlock’s draft stock seems to be rising considering he’s visited multiple NFL teams, so him going in the sixth round of the draft doesn’t seem to be out of the question. He’s also been projected to go in the seventh round.
Scott Matlock Draft Profile
Matlock wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, but he certainly impressed at Boise State’s Pro Day.
Matlock’s times of 7.2 seconds in the three-cone drill and 4.27 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle would’ve been first among defensive tackles at the combine. He would’ve been second in the 40-yard dash (4.81 seconds), tied for third in the broad jump (9 feet, 5 inches) and bench press (29 reps), and tied for fifth in the vertical jump (29.5 inches).
Matlock is powerful. He has a fast first step and often pushes offensive linemen backward, even when he’s double teamed. He could keep his pad level lower sometimes, but he often has good leverage against opponents.
Though he could add more variety to his pass rush moves, Matlock is active, as shown against Utah State, and is technically sound. He does a good job of keeping his arms extended so he has the advantage against offensive linemen.
Overall, Matlock’s production and athleticism prove he belongs on an NFL roster.
