From now until the 2018 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#50 Hercules Mata’afa/EDGE/Washington State 6’1”, 252 Lbs
The Good
-Great burst off the line at the snap
-Fluid, natural mover along interior of offensive line
-Tremendous motor that runs hot all game long
-Shoots gaps with speed and power; very low pad level
-Packs a punch as a tackler
-Knack for finding the football anywhere on the field
The Bad
-Struggles to anchor against the run
-Relies too much on athleticism when rushing the passer
-Limited hand fighter as a pass rusher
-When he doesn’t win at the snap when shooting gaps, becomes obsolete to the play
-Lacks bend and a plan as a pass rusher
Bio
-Three-year letterman for Cougars
-Three-time All-Pac-12 Selection, earning first-team honors as a junior
-Named Consensus All-American as a junior, as well as Polynesian College Football Player of the Year
-Appeared in 39 career games, with 25 as a starter
-Recorded 123 tackles, 47 tackles-for-loss (second-most in WSU history), 22.