Washington Commanders select Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis in 2022 NFL Draft

After an impressive four-year run with the Alabama Crimson Tide, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 47 overall pick by the Washington Commanders.

Mathis saw his first collegiate action in 2018, totaling 18 tackles and recovering one fumble. He then racked up 27 tackles with 0.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble as a sophomore in 2019, and then had 31 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 2020.

This past season was undoubtedly the best yet for Mathis. In 14 games, he anchored Alabama’s defensive line with 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

Now, Mathis will look to carry that success into the NFL as he has heard his name called in the draft.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Phidarian Mathis

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein recently broke down Mathis’ stock ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. He gave Mathis a NFL comparison of DaQuan Jones, who has spent time with the Titans and Panthers during his eight-year NFL career. When evaluating Mathis prior to the draft, Zierlein saw a versatile defensive lineman who is ready to contribute immediately out of the gate.

“Scheme-versatile wide body with long arms and solid technique at the point of attack,” said Zierlein. “Mathis is a Nick Saban-style run-plugger with powerful hands and a dense anchor. He comes into the league ready for two-gapping duties.

“He’s more effective against downhill rush attacks than move-blocking schemes, but he’s more a piece of the front than a standout playmaker. He can push the pocket on early down passing plays but is likely to come off the field on passing downs. Mathis should compete for early playing time as a 4-3/3-4 nose or as a five-technique.”