Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis Picked in Second Round of 2022 NFL Draft

Alabama defensive deal with Phidarian ‘Phil’ Mathis turns into the most recent Crimson Tide defender drafted to Washington because the Commanders chosen him within the second spherical because the No. 47 total choose. He’ll be a part of former Alabama defensive linemen Daron Payne and Johnathan Allen in Washington.

Mathis is the second Alabama participant taken on Day 2 of the draft, following John Metchie III, who went No. 44 total to the Houston Texans. There have now been 4 Crimson Tide gamers chosen on this 12 months’s draft as Evan Neal (No. 7, New York Giants) and Jameson Williams (No. 12, Detroit Lions) have been drafted in the course of the first spherical Thursday evening.

After being redshirted his freshman season again in 2017, Mathis was a starter on the Alabama line of defense in every of his subsequent 4 seasons with this system, incomes Freshman All-SEC honors in his first 12 months as a starter. Over the course of his 5 years with the Crimson Tide, Mathis would rapidly develop into one of many extra dependable linemen on protection.

Over his 4 seasons as a starter, Mathis totaled 129 tackles, together with 17.5 for a loss. Of these 17.5 tackles, 10.5 of them have been sacks. Mathis additionally recorded 5 passes defended, three compelled fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Exterior of his abilities on the gridiron, Mathis established himself as a seasoned chief on the Crimson Tide’s protection and was voted as a everlasting group captain by his fellow teammates.

BamaCentral Evaluation:

Washington provides one other Alabama defensive lineman to the combo. The Commanders have already got former Crimson Tide stars  Allen and Payne taking part in alongside Chase Younger and Montez Sweat. Mathis provides depth to what needs to be probably the greatest items within the NFL.

Whereas it’s scary to suppose what Washington might do with its line of defense, the choice of Mathis is a bit puzzling because the Commanders had different wants. Nonetheless, he ought to be capable of study from a pair of Crimson Tide greats whereas offering a pleasant inside presence within the move rush. 

Here is a full analysis of Mathis, courtesy of NFL Draft Bible:

Phidarian Mathis – Alabama Crimson Tide

Professionals:

Skilled, lively defensive deal with with above-average dimension and good size. Mathis is finest when he can shed blockers on the level of assault the place he makes use of fast arms to beat aggressive blockers. He is superb in opposition to zone blocking, sustaining lively toes and displaying lateral shifting abilities earlier than gaining exterior leverage and shedding with a rip transfer. Attacking the chest of blockers on the level of assault, he shows good power to face them up. Controlling gaps along with his hand utilization makes him a succesful two-gapper. Mathis defends the run with very excessive effort, combating to the whistle and even operating to the sideline. As a move rusher, he’s lively when taking up a number of blockers, breaking free late primarily based on effort alone. His swipe transfer is efficient due to good hand placement.

Cons:

Missing athleticism and explosiveness, his get-off is below-average to poor. Gradual response time additional hurts him in that division. Mathis is unable to create knockback and leaves push desired along with his below-average bull rush. He’s unable to win the leverage battle as a move rusher persistently. His arms lack violence, stopping him from beating the punch of blockers decisively. Mathis possesses a below-average anchor that may see him getting pushed off the ball by double groups. As soon as opponents latch on to him, he’s unable to interrupt free violently. Mathis is a mean, inconsistent tackler, resulting in irritating misses. His processing is just not on the stage anticipated from an skilled participant like him.

Abstract:

Defensive deal with with above common dimension and good size who comes with a number of expertise. Mathis possesses fast arms and defends the zone operating sport very properly. He lacks explosiveness and energy speeding means in addition to hand violence. Mathis initiatives as a depth piece at defensive deal with who might be dependable when on the sphere. His potential is restricted because of poor athleticism and disruptiveness. 

Gallery: Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis