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Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Could the New Orleans Saints once again have gotten lucky and discovered another UDFA (undrafted rookie free-agent) “gem”? According to ESPN Saints beat writer Mike Triplett, that might just be the case. In his early 53-man Saints roster projection the ...

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Old 06-26-2016, 07:28 AM   #1
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Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Could the New Orleans Saints once again have gotten lucky and discovered another UDFA (undrafted rookie free-agent) “gem”? According to ESPN Saints beat writer Mike Triplett, that might just be the case.

In his early 53-man Saints roster projection the other day, Triplett had this to say about Saints rookie offensive lineman Ryker Mathews of BYU — who before Triplett’s projection, hadn’t been mentioned very much as a player with the potential to make the Saints regular season roster.

https://bigeasybeliever.com/2016/06/...ints-udfa-gem/
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Old 06-26-2016, 11:37 AM   #2
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Damn. How many slow footed first step offensive linemen can we bring in? We better not be lulling ourselves into a false sense of security about the strength of our line. Most people see it is about 3/5 functional. I don't have that rosy feeling about the offensive line. Peat should be playing right tackle. If Peat is playing guard then we messed up somewhere and our game will suffer again because the front office misread talent along the offensive line.
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Old 06-26-2016, 01:18 PM   #3
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

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.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins
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Old 06-26-2016, 01:24 PM   #4
 
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Championship!
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Old 06-26-2016, 02:01 PM   #5
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

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.
A promising longshot
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Old 06-26-2016, 02:24 PM   #6
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Originally Posted by SmashMouth View Post
Championship!
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Old 06-26-2016, 03:14 PM   #7
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Originally Posted by hagan714 View Post

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.
Big boy Nate Newton was once an undrafted road grader who needed work in a lot of areas as well. Coaching up potential talent is key.

What's important now is whether or not he can adapt to NFL game.
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Old 06-26-2016, 05:04 PM   #8
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

I much rather have a good football player than a good athlete. Football games are very seldom won by o-line players running the 40-yard dash or the 3-cone drill. O-line is much more about knowing how to position yourself to be in an advantage against the opponent than having "quick feet" or what not.
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Old 06-26-2016, 07:12 PM   #9
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Originally Posted by hagan714 View Post
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.

And 5.15 was his slowest. He also ran a 4.98.
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Old 06-26-2016, 08:19 PM   #10
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Re: Is Ryker Mathews The Next Saints UDFA “Gem” ?

Don't forget the Saints got rid of Brett Ingalls & moved Roushar from RB coach to O line. You also have Campbell (former interim HC) & solid pedigree as a former NFL player.

Then there is Aaron Glenn as secondary coach and also former player. He can teach & create a culture for the young guys.

Quality coaches brought in to lead our young guys.
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