Cotton Bowl 2021: Top 4 2022 NFL draft prospects to watch

1. Phidarian Mathis, DE, Alabama

Outside linebacker/defensive end Will Anderson and his 15.5 sacks have been the star of the show for the Alabama defense. However, defensive end Phidarian Mathis had a fantastic complementary season with 8.5 sacks of his own.

Much like Christian Barmore last season, Mathis has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season after waiting his turn to play. At 6-foot-3 and 312 pounds, Mathis projects as more of an interior lineman at the next level rather than a defensive end.

Mathis has had a great season and could eclipse ten sacks with two good college football playoffs. However, it has been just one season. Mathis has tools but needs some refining with his technique.

That said, Mathis with Anderson on the other side will present some real issues for the Bearcats in the Cotton Bowl. Mathis was outstanding against Georgia registering a sack and causing all kinds of havoc in the backfield.

Mathis has good balance and leverage, leaning on his experience as a high school wrestler. Mathis has good strength and can contribute as a zero technique. Mathis’ strength, however, is as a three-technique but could project to a 3-4 defensive end.

Mathis is projected as an early-round pick that could go in the top 100 if he tests and practices well during the All-Star circuit and scouting combines.