Nov 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Tyler Matakevich (8) during warm ups before the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Stock Up: Defense
Tyler Matakevich – OLB – Temple
The Temple Owls have been shutout of the last three drafts. That should change this year as Tyler Matakevich looks to be a Day 3 talent. Temple was able to defeat Penn State for the first time in 74 years in large part because of the defense. Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg was sacked 10 times in the game, three times by Matakevich. The senior finished the game with seven tackles and is on pace to finish his college career with nearly 500 tackles. He’s not great in coverage or as a pure pass rusher, so his best fit at the next level appears to be as an early-down inside linebacker.
Montravius Adams – DT – Auburn
Auburn DE Carl Lawson may have been the best player on the field when Louisville had the ball in the first half, but Adams had the best game. He has a very good first step for a DT and bursts through the offensive line, nearly taking the handoff on a play in the second quarter which led to a Justin Garrett 82-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Adams is a better prospect than former Auburn DT Gabe Wright, who was selected in the fourth round this year. If Adams plays more consistently than he did a year ago, he’ll likely be a Day 2 pick.
Karl Joseph – SS – West Virginia
Joseph is well-known as a hard-hitting safety, but it was his ball skills which stood out Week 1. Sure it was against Georgia Southern, but three interceptions is still impressive. Not only did Joseph intercept three passes, but he also led the Mountaineers with eight tackles and a fumble recovery. He needs to improve in man coverage to be an early-round pick, but he’ll have every opportunity to do so against the aerial attacks of the Big 12.
Next: Stock Down: Offense