Chiefs 2018 NFL Draft scouting report: Hercules Mata’afa
The Kansas City Chiefs need to make the defensive line and outside linebacker positions a major focus this offseason. Could Hercules Mata’afa make sense?
Point your finger at any position group of the defense from 2017 and you will find areas that struggled and need some attention this offseason—including the team’s pass rush. All 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs failed to find someone to play opposite of outside linebacker Justin Houston resulting in little to no pass rush. Offensive lines keyed in on Houston with the lack of talent on the other side, which made it hard to get after the passer.
Outside linebacker Dee Ford was out most of the season with back injuries and ended the year on injured reserve. Even if Ford can regain his health enough to play, there are major concerns when you start talking about back injuries. Just look at what happened with ex-Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe.
Kansas City made an attempt to upgrade in the 2017 Draft when selecting defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon out of Villanova. They converted Kpassagnon to outside linebacker during the preseason and the rookie saw some snaps late in the season. It’s still unknown on what the Chiefs have in him, and they could still use more depth at the position if not a starter.
Someone that could be a possibility for the Chiefs pass rushing needs in the second round is Washington State University defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa. The former Cougar decided to forego his senior year and enter the NFL Draft.
— Hercules Mata'afa (@herculesuluao50) January 1, 2018
Mata’afa played all over the defensive line for Washington State. They used him mostly as a defensive tackle to bring his speed to the interior part of the line and get after the quarterback. His outstanding season in 2017 made the defense the stronghold of the team. Mata’afa was the most explosive lineman in the Pac-12 hauling in 22.5 tackles for a loss, including 10.5 sacks.
2017 Consensus All-American
— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) January 3, 2018
2017 Polynesian College Player of the Year
47 career TFL, 2nd-most in WSU history
22.5 career sacks, T4th-most in WSU history
WSU record 22.5 TFL in 2017
Congrats on an amazing Cougar career and good luck in the NFL Hercules Mata’afa!#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/1noY3H5PmZ
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Due to his smaller frame of 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds, Mata’afa will have to move outside as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. His lack of size makes him a perfect fit for an outside linebacker position rushing the quarterback from the outside. His quick first step could give him an advantage over tackles in the NFL.
Mata’afa could be another developmental player for the Chiefs in 2018, but he should be quicker to find playing time than Kpassagnong. He already has multiple rushing moves coming into the NFL. The Chiefs need someone opposite Houston that will force offenses to plan for both sides. Mata’afa would bring speed that would warrant that attention off the right edge.
Since most of his college career was spent on the interior part of the defensive line, he does need to work on his bending around the edges. While his speed and athleticism made him special in college, he will get swallowed up in the pros with how undersized he is.
If he can adjust to the outside and bring his speed and athleticism to the outside, the Chiefs could find themselves taking a look if he’s there late in the second round. The right outside linebacker position is very important this offseason if the Chiefs don’t want to waste most of Houston’s prime years being the only player along the line being gameplanned for.