Still Curtain
FanSided

Steelers Draft: Seventh Round Pick Tyler Matakevich

By Jesse Kirkendall

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich (8) reacts after a turnover on downs against the Memphis Tigers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Temple Owls won 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich (8) reacts after a turnover on downs against the Memphis Tigers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Temple Owls won 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With their last selection in the 2016 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select an athlete that many in the league consider average, but with great heart and tremendous play-making ability.

Tyler Matakevich spent his collegiate career with the Temple Owls, making him a Pennsylvania native. Winner of the Bronco Nagurski Award (granted to the most outstanding defensive player in the country), and a three-time first team All-American Athletic Conference selection, the Steelers last pick in the draft is not without impressive accolades.

Matakevich recorded at least 100 total tackles in every year of his collegiate career with the owls, and an impressive 106 solo tackles in his sophomore campaign. Matakevich left Temple five tackles shy of recorded 500 (338 made solo), 40.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven interceptions, eleven defended passes with four forced fumbles, and as many fumble recoveries.

Standing at six feet tall and weighing in at 238 lbs, Matakevich may astound scouts with his size, but what makes him stand out is the fact that he is a very cerebral player. He is rarely caught off guard by signal callers or running backs, and was responsible for many of the great plays made by the Owls defensive squad. His 5.8 forty yard dash speed may turn off those who desire fast inside linebackers, but a poor run at the combine should not be the verdict on this athlete: his game tape shows greater speed than what was recorded at Indianapolis.

Drafting Matakevich was another attempt to fortify the Steelers’ inside linebacker position after losing key players in the middle and on special teams during the offseason. He will compete with Steven Johnson and “money pit” Jordan Zumwalt for a spot on the final 53 man roster.

The Steelers get an athlete that could turn out to be something special at the pro level if he is able to put forth the effort and determination that he displayed in the NCAA, and for a fraction of what most teams commit to when signing players who have had impressive collegiate careers as he did.

Next: Steelers Draft: Seventh Round Pick Tyler Matakevich

Who knows, Matakevich could become yet another seventh round gem such as Kelvin Beachum and Brett Keisel that the Steelers have so much fortune obtaining in the later stages of the draft.

Home/Steelers Draft