Saints UDFA Ryker Matthews' 97.8 pass blocking efficiency against Power-5 opposition was 5th-best mark among OTs in this NFL draft class (7-FA)
STRENGTHS: Mathews is a naturally large man with good overall weight distribution and a thick trunk well suited to the battle at the line of scrimmage. He isn't a flashy athlete but shows functional quickness and agility to mirror defenders in pass protection, using short, powerful steps to help him maintain balance.
Mathews' best attribute is the vice-like grip he uses when latching onto defenders. Once he locks on, he's generally able to control opponents, keeping his hands inside the defenders' chest plate and shuffling laterally to remain square. Showing the awareness and technique you'd expect of a four-year starter with experience playing all over the line, Mathews incorporates angles into his blocking, turning and sealing defenders off in the running game.

He offers position versatility, having played all four exterior positions (and even blocking tight end) as a senior.

WEAKNESSES: Mathews, frankly, is a better football player than athlete. He isn't particularly quick off the snap, catching opponents as they come to him rather than initiating contact. He's a bit heavy-legged, lacking the foot speed to remain at left tackle in the NFL and struggles redirecting on the move in the running game.

He has a tendency to stand up at the snap, too often bending at the waist rather than at the knees, which could lead to struggles against the more powerful defensive tackles he's likely to face if moved inside in the NFL.

IN OUR VIEW: While he isn't the caliber of athlete who will earn a high pick, Mathews is powerful, tough and experienced at multiple positions in a pro-style offense, making him a solid "sixth man" candidate along the offensive line likely to still be on the board on Day Three.

Championship!

Question will be are the saints willing to invest a year into this kid. One year is all you need to coach explosiveness. either he has the ability or he does not.

5.15 for a guy this big is not slow. what he needs to work on his his quickness out of his stance. he needs to trim some 10ths in that area. But once he gets moving it is not an issue.

starter year one? nahh but if he gets more explosive out of his stance he has the skill set to kick more than one player to the curb.

Question will be are the saints willing to invest a year into this kid. One year is all you need to coach explosiveness. either he has the ability or he does not.