Rams are bringing Mitch Mathews (WR, BYU) in for a workout tomorrow

The Los Angeles Rams are bringing Mitch Mathews (WR, BYU) in for a workout tomorrow. Was recently w/ Cleveland Browns & Kansas City Chiefs.

— Brett Tessler (@TesslerSports) December 26, 2016

http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/byu-football/2016/4/30/11495310/2016-nfl-draft-byu-wr-mitch-mathews-signs-an-udfa-contract-kansas-city-chiefs

Mathews is listed as 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds and knows how to use his height against defenders, one of the reasons he could be a diamond in the rough. At BYU, he amassed over 2000 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns, 11 coming in his senior campaign. He did a great job making the tough catch over, and around, defenders as he became a prime target for the Cougar quarterbacks.

Mathews comes in with a few strengths as his height makes him a prime target in the redzone and his body control allows for adjusting to passes that few receivers can make. He has decent speed as he ran a 4.49 at Pro Day and does have a quick first step. In addition to his big frame, he has the ability to jump to get the ball. He recorded a 36-inch vertical at Pro Day and knows how to use his jumping ability to extend his already tall frame over defenders.

Here’s a look at his complete Pro Day results:

40-yard dash – 4.49 seconds
225 bench – 12 reps
Vertical jump – 36 inches
Broad jump – 10 feet 9 inches
20-yard shuttle – 4.25 seconds
3-cone drill – 6.99 seconds

One concern is his inability to get off press coverage. This may be due to a combination of his lack of physicality off the line, and technique. Both of these areas can be worked on, and given the right coaching he could solidify both of those areas. However, already being 25 gives him less wiggle room for improvement in the NFL. It’s not likely he will ever be a star receiver in the NFL, but he can still use his strengths to carve out a spot, and make his mark. It may be that he will be a situational receiver, or excel in the redzone, as he gives his quarterback the ability to throw the ball up or around Mathews and he will go after it. This could turn into a solid roster spot and a nice career with lots of touchdowns.

In the highlights below he displays he uncanny ability to control his body in order to make the catch while making the defender look foolish. His speed and height are also on display: