Big Board ranking: #30
Positional ranking: #3
Overview
Position: EDGE
College: Penn State
Class: Junior
Age: 22
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 266 lbs.
Arm length: 34 7/8”
Hand size: 9 3/4”
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical jump: 34.0”
Broad jump: 120.0”
Bench press: 20 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Prototypical length and overall size. Exceptional run defender. Reacts to what he sees and makes the play. Does a quality job using length and strength to shed blockers. Quick first step. Gets upfield in a hurry to create penetration. Very good movement skills for his size. Great pursuit. Works down the line of scrimmage to chase ball carriers. Rangy tackler. Sets the edge. Plus play recognition. Rarely fooled on zone read or play action. Strong hands. Possesses a powerful club/strike move rushing on the edge. Very effective on stunts. Can rush the passer from the interior in passing situations. Best as a 4-3 defensive end but has the athleticism to be a standup pass rusher and drop back in coverage when needed. Experience lining up on both sides of the formation.
Weaknesses
Average bend turning the corner on speed rush. Doesn’t have a diverse set of pass rush moves. Didn’t deflect enough passes at the line of scrimmage. Not an overly forceful hitter.
NFL comparison
Carlos Dunlap
Conclusion
Overall, Gross-Matos is a long, rangy edge defender that enters the league well-equipped to stop the run and should only get better as a pass rusher. I think his best fit would be as a versatile defensive end in a 4-3 scheme that can make plays both at the point of attack and as a backside defender.
High risk high reward pick.
Thanks! I was wondering about his prospects in the NFL.
Yes 4-3 perfect.
Informative stuff.
He was so good this year.