From now until the 2025 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao.
No. 88 MOLIKI MATAVAO/TE UCLA – 6052, 265 POUNDS
Measurements
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Moliki Matavao | 6052/265 | 9 1/2 | 33 | 74 3/4 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| 4.81 | 1.60 | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| 9’6″ | 32.5 | N/A |
*40-yard, 10-yard, broad jump and vertical from NFL Combine, all other measurements from Senior Bowl
THE GOOD
– Well built with good size for position
– Quick off LOS when running routes
– Moves smoothly for his massive frame
– Catches ball over middle of the field without fear
– Transitions from catching the ball to running in smooth fashion
– Great feel for zone coverages, consistently finds the right spot to sit in his route
– Shows ability to seal off defenders while blocking
– Solid speed makes him a deep threat
– Recognizes when QB is scrambling, works to get open
– Consistently makes catches in traffic
– Some positional versatility, lined up at WR at times with UCLA
THE BAD
– Can lose speed when tracking ball
– Isn’t able to adjust well to poorly thrown passes
– Not going to make many defenders miss with the ball in his hands
– Lacks power as a blocker
– Catches blocks too often, allowing defenders to come to him
– Will occasionally flat-out miss defenders when trying to block
– Occasional concentration drops
– Slows feet when coming into blocks
BIO
– Birthday: March 23, 2003 (22 years old)
– Hometown: Henderson, Nev.
– Attended Liberty High School in Oregon
– Majored in sociology
– Four-star recruit out of high school, ranked fourth-best TE in 2020 class by ESPN
– Signed with Oregon ahead of 2021 season
– Saw the field in 14 games in 2021; had nine receptions and one touchdown
– Started six of 12 games in 2022; had 10 receptions for 134 yards and one touchdown
– Transferred to UCLA before 2023 season
– Had 14 receptions for 283 yards and two scores in 2023
– Had best collegiate season in 2024 with 41 receptions for 506 yards and two touchdowns
– Played 50 games throughout collegiate career, starting 22 of them
– All Pac-12 honorable mention pick in 2023
– Enjoys hunting as a hobby; named Jason Witten as an athlete he admires
TAPE BREAKDOWN
Despite his massive size for the position, Moliki Matavao moves extremely well. He also possesses good awareness for the position. He understands defenses well, especially against zone coverage.
Here, Matavao is lined up as a receiver on the top end of the screen. He gets off the ball quickly and is running a curl route. He finds a hole in the zone, sits down, and catches the ball, picking up a sizeable chunk of yards in the process.
Here, Matavao is on the wing, just off the line of scrimmage next to the right tackle. He’s again running a curl route, something UCLA had him do often. Realizing the linebacker who’s supposed to be in his zone is still in the middle of the field, Matavao smartly cuts his route short and sits in the perfect spot. After catching the ball, he fights for some extra yardage.
His high football IQ doesn’t only shine through in these instances. Matavao does a good job keeping tabs on his quarterback and understands how to get open when they’re scrambling.
Here, Matavao runs a short hitch route over the middle of the field. His QB ends up scrambling to the right. Matavao recognizes it and does a good job getting open up the field, even gaining a step or two on his defender in the process. Unfortunately, his QB doesn’t see him. If he does, Matavao might still be running.
Catching the ball isn’t the only thing a tight end needs to do. When it comes to blocking, there are some positives and negatives in Matavao’s game. At times, he shows excellent technique.
The way this play comes together for UCLA is an absolute dream for any offensive coordinator. Everybody does their job, Matavao included. He does a great job working to the second level and smartly connects with the outside shoulder of the defender, sealing him off. This helps open the hole for his running back, who picks up a massive chunk of yards.
However, it’s not all sunshine and butterflies when it comes to Matavao’s blocking.
Sometimes Matavao simply misses blocks or doesn’t even see them. Here, Matavao’s outside of the left tackle. The edge rusher in front of him shifts to his outside just before the play begins. Unfortunately, Matavao doesn’t recognize it and attempts to block the linebacker at the second level instead. That rusher ends up getting a free shot at his quarterback. Things like this just can’t happen in the NFL.
Look at No. 11 Abdul Carter during Penn State’s pre-snap movement. Just before the snap, Carter shifts to Matavao’s outside, and Matavao never lifts his head up. As a result, he doesn’t see it. He tries to get to the second level again here, completely disregarding Carter to his outside, and the All-American flies into the backfield to shut down the play.
CONCLUSION
Moliki Matavao brings a lot to the receiving game. He’s quick off the line of scrimmage and runs solid routes. In addition, he understands zone coverages well, consistently finding the right spot to end his route. He also does a good job of working back to the quarterback in scramble drills. However, his blocking leaves much to be desired. He needs to be more consistent in recognizing defenders and play with more power as a blocker. Still, his receiving ability should allow him to carve out a role in the NFL.
Matavao reminds me of Mark Andrews. Coming out of college, Andrews was similarly quick off the line of scrimmage and excelled against zone coverage. He moved well for his size, and his speed made him a downfield threat. Andrews had similar blocking concerns as well. I don’t think Matavao’s ceiling is quite as high, but if his blocking improves, and he’s in the right situation, I think he can be quite productive at the NFL level.
Projection: Mid-Day 3
Depot Draft Grade: Fifth Round (Backup/Special Teamer)
Games Watched: Penn State (2024), Rutgers (2024), USC (2024)
