Player: Tyler Matakevich
Position: LB
School: Temple
Overview: During his career as a four year starter at Temple Tyler Matakevich collected numerous accolades including the Nagurski Award, and three All American selections. The Steelers noted this production and added him to the litany of talented linebackers battling it out to make the roster.
Despite his elite production, Matakevich made it to the 7th round where the Steelers selected him. This probably has something to do with the following quote said by a nameless NFL North scout “Not big, not fast and not strong. Hard to make it as an NFL linebacker without those elements.”
With that being said, coaches, scouts and anyone who has followed the career of Matakevich raves about his work ethic and film preparation. He has a decent shot of finding a spot on the roster especially if he finds a way to contribute on special teams. It will be interesting to watch his progress in the preseason to see how’s he’s adjusting to the speed and strength at the NFL level.
Strengths:
Incredibly productive in college
Vocal leader and team captain
Noted film buff
Rarely fooled by play action
Weaknesses:
Does not possess the the athleticism of NFL linebackers
Can get sucked up at second level by linemen
Shift runners can turn him into an arm tackler
Chances of Making the team: 60%