Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft Profile: Hercules Mata’afa

Pass rush wasn’t always easy to generate for the Detroit Lions in 2017. This next prospect had no trouble applying pressure last season.

Hercules Mata’afa is a fine name. It’s like mixing a Greek God with The Lion King. I’d like him a lot more if he had “Detroit Lions defensive lineman” before his name.

There wasn’t much not to like about the 6’2″, 252 pound redshirt-junior defensive tackle. Yeah, you heard correctly. Washington State preferred to use his elite quickness as an interior pass rusher.

His timing of the snap and short area burst is up there with the top of this Draft class. What’s even more remarkable was how well he took on multiple blockers. His strength and bend comes from his wrestling background, and it served him well on the football field.

Mata’afa frequented the edge as well, generating pressure from all over the front. Even spying the quarterback as an off the ball linebacker.

• The first team All-American/PAC 12 star put forth a Herculean type season, compiling 10.5 sacks, a Cougars record 22.5 tackles for loss, 45 tackles, two forced fumbles and a recovery. He’s recorded a minimum of 5.0 sacks (5.5 in 2016, 5.0 in 2015) every year he’s played.

Over the course of his playing career, Mata’afa appeared in all 39 games and started 25 of them. Durability isn’t an issue at the moment, but how will he hold up in the NFL at defensive tackle?

The issue with tweener prospects is which position they should play. You can’t get the best gauge of their entire skill sets either.

Mata’afa is too small to play defensive tackle. He wasn’t used enough at defensive end to confirm if he has the athleticism to thrive there. Same goes for outside linebacker.

Personally, I don’t think you can label him as “this” or “that.” I’m fully confident with the right coach, especially one like Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia, Mata’afa will be versatile chess piece that can’t be accounted for at just one position.

His length won’t help him any. It was the main reason he found himself struggling to get free from blockers if he didn’t win with quickness at the line of scrimmage. More active hands is necessary for his growth as an NFL player.

Mata’afa and hopefully the Lions need to get innovative with how they use him. The way I see it, if a guy his size can defy the odds as an interior rusher, I have all the faith in the world he can more than survive out on the edge. His versatility allows him to kick inside on passing downs given his success at Washington State.

The question marks and uncertainty of his best position fit means he falls a little bit. A second to third round grade is realistic, but not fair.

Next: Detroit Lions - Defensive line is still their top need

Hercules Mata’afa is the perfect example of what Patricia is looking for. He already has the heart of a Lion, so Detroit only makes for a great home.