DL, Virginia
Rankings: 23rd-ranked defensive end by Pro Football Weekly. Graded as slightly better than 50-50 to make an NFL roster. Late draftable grade.
NFLDraftScout: 26th-ranked at defensive tackle. #349 player overall, free-agent grade.
Biography/honors:
2011: Started all 13 games, 12 at defensive tackle and defensive end in Virginia's bowl game. 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass knockdowns and 3 blocked kicks.
2010: Started 11 of 12 games. Moved to defensive tackle in 4-3 alignment. 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one pass knockdown.
2009: Started 10 games. 3-4 defensive end. 45 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 pass knockdowns and a blocked extra point.
2008: Started all 12 games. 3-4 defensive end. 35 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, a forced fumble, 4 pass knockdowns and a blocked FG.
2007: Medical redshirt.
Major: adapted physical education.
Injuries:
2009: Missed two games due to a high ankle sprain.
2006: (HS) Tore labrum in shoulder, requiring surgery, but played a full football season afterward.
Pro day stats: (NFL Combine DL averages in parentheses)
5.18 40 (4.98 average – 5.18 would have been bottom ten time)
1.71 10-yard split (1.67)
28.5” vertical jump (31”)
9'3” broad jump (9'2”)
7.29 3-cone drill (7.35)
4.60 20-yard shuttle (4.47)
17 bench press (27 average – worst DL bench count at Combine was 19)
Positives: Quick off the snap and quick to locate the ball. Good vision, instincts, effort and work ethic. Has a mean streak and fights well through trash. Athletic for his size, with good bend and fluid hips. Has good double moves and spin moves in pass rush. Often got good penetration pass rushing from tackle, and showed some pass-rush ability off the edge as well. Has excellent "length". Long-armed and terrific at blocking kicks and knocking down passes.
Negatives: Height really works against him. Hard to win at being the low man when you're as tall and lean-framed as he is. Struggles to get power and leverage. Plays too upright. Struggles to anchor. Relies too much on his upper body and needs to get stronger there anyway. Gets hung up on blocks, plays out of control. On the ground too often. Uses his hands well but needs to improve. Frame not at all suited for interior defensive line in the NFL; his center of gravity is just too high. Will have to be a 3-4 DE or a 4-3 strong-side DE, but may lack the agility needed to succeed on the outside. Needs to improve his pass-rush moves in any event.
Compares to: Calais Campbell.
Fun Facts: A torn labrum cut Matt's baseball career short in high school (St. Rita - Chicago), but didn't keep him away from football. He played with the injury his whole senior season, in which he made 16 sacks and St. Rita won the Illinois state championship.
RamView: It's an understatement to say there are a lot of openings on the Rams' 2012 roster; there's definitely one for Matt Conrath. There's little reason he can't stay even in camp with players like Darell Dorell Scott, Jermelle Cudjo, or Eugene Sims, at which point his ability to block kicks and knock down passes gives him a unique edge. (Which is why I'm happy to echo the Calais Campbell comparisons. Campbell ruined a game for the Rams last year; the Rams need their own guy like that.) If he can hold up against NFL offensive linemen, which is the big question, his job prospects here could be surprisingly upbeat.
Chance of making roster: 55%.
Sources: Pro Football Weekly 2012 Draft Guide, CBS Sports, University of Virginia athletics, Roanoke (Va.) Times
Photo: Pro Football Weekly
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