Raiders love Alabama prospects, and Phidarian Mathis is a good one
Phidarian Mathis is a defensive tackle that’s been rising up draft boards this season, and rightfully so. The six-foot-four, 312-pound mauler had an impressive campaign this college season, as he generated 15 solo tackles, five tackles for a loss, one and a half sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes defended to boot.
Statistically speaking, this was Mathis’ best season in college, he played 284 snaps alongside the defensive line. From those snaps, PFF graded Mathis 82.3 overall for his efforts, his pass-rushing grade came in at a solid 82.6 for the year.
The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid spotlighted Mathis recently, stating that, “I could see 3-4 teams taking him in the second or third round because you have to have one of those guys who can clog both A-gaps. He blows up everything inside and he does it well.”
Like Garrett, Mathis could provide a long-term solution should the team not bring back Hankins. The Raiders were not consistent in stopping the run nor in getting to opposing quarterbacks, Mathis could end up helping in both departments.