Phidarian

Mathis

Even with Friday’s practice still to go, McDermott didn’t hesitate to rule out Kincaid, who was a DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday and viewed as a long shot to play early in the week. His absence will open the door for Dawson Knox to draw the start in Week 11, but Knox shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a desperation play for fantasy managers. Knox has caught 12 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown this season and hasn’t gone for more than 37 yards in any game. In addition to Kincaid, the Bills also ruled out Phidarian Mathis due to a shoulder injury.

The Jets also released DL Phidarian Mathis and CB Ryan Cooper. The moves come shortly after the Jets finalized their trade for DT Harrison Phillips. Weaver posted a career-best 5.5 sacks in 2022. He spent time with the Texans and Rams over the last year.

Head coach Ron Rivera said the team was “concerned” about Mathis’ injury after yesterday’s game, with the team confirming the worst on Monday. Mathis exited the first half of yesterday’s game against the Jaguars after a player rolled up on his leg. The rookie second-round pick was carted off the field and did not return. Mathis was expected to serve as a situational player along Washington’s defensive line this season and appeared on three snaps before exiting Sunday’s contest.

When asked about Mathis’ status after the game, head coach Ron Rivera said, “We’re concerned.” The second-round rookie DT saw his leg rolled up on by another player in the first half of Sunday’s win over the Jaguars, and remained down on the field after the play. Visibly in pain, Mathis was carted from the field and did not return for the day. The team is awaiting the results of an X-ray and MRI.

Mathis (6’4/310) totaled 76 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks in his first three years and was named to SEC’s All-Freshman team in 2018. In 2021, Mathis went on to total 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks. He was named second-team All-SEC for his efforts. Mathis has the ability to line up as both an interior lineman and defensive end, with 107 of his defensive snaps coming from the DE position. He has active hands and doesn’t appear to give up on many plays. He wreaked havoc against Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl, totaling two tackles for a loss, one sack and two passes defended. Mathis’ scheme versatility will be a big plus.

Mathis was ranked as the second or third IDL on most boards and was often mocked in the 40’s, with Winfrey (6'4"/292) lower in the 60’s or higher. After his stellar Senior Bowl Week, including both games and practices, Winfrey is getting a major bump, at least in The Draft Networks eyes. According to TDN Winfrey was able to play in a more pass rushing role as a three-technique in the Senior Bowl which really unlocked his potential, whereas with Oklahoma he was mostly zero-technique and just taking double teams. His ability to shed blocks and get to the QB were magnified in the new role and is a big part of why they projected him as the first pick in the second round in their latest mock draft.

It was expected, as Mathis had a real breakout season for the Crimson Tide in 2021. He had 53 total tackles with 10.5 for loss and a whopping nine sacks. He’s got great size and athleticism, and should be able to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3. He was second-team All-SEC and a second-team AFCA All-American. Mathis should be around a second round pick, so it was a no-brainer to make the jump to the NFL.

It’s certainly not a question of talent behind Williams, as Alabama has recruited several four-and-five star commits at the defensive tackle position. One of those players is Phidarian Mathis, a four-star player who became a part of the rotation in 2018 as a redshirt freshman. There’s also Christian Barmore and a hostfull of talented players coming in 2019. Still, Williams was special -- as Hale notes -- and replacing the most dominant player in college football on the defensive side of the football will not be easy.

Mathis is something of a late-comer to the 2017 recruiting party, as he had been listed as part of the 2018 class prior to this spring. Now bumped up a year, the 6-foot-4, 287-pounder should see his recruitment shift over to the fast lane soon enough. ESPN 300 ranks him as their No. 20 overall prospect for the cycle, noting that he “blends great size with effort and athleticism and while a good football player now he still scarily has room to grow both physically and as a player.”

LSU and TCU were also looking for a pledge from Mathis, to no avail. This stings for the Tigers, in particular, as the 6-foot-4, 287-pounder hails from Monroe, Louisiana. Scout.com notes that Mathis “can still develop as a pass rusher in terms of moves.” As things stand at this phase in his development, "[h]e uses more power, quickness and bull rush right now.” He ranks as the outlet’s No. 95 overall prospect in the 2017 cycle. The boys running the ESPN 300 are even more hyped on the newest member of the Crimson Tide. They slot him into their master list at No. 37.