Yetur Gross-Matos declares and stakes claim as first rounder in 2020 NFL Draft
By Seth Steere
Weaknesses to Gross-Matos’ game
As noted above, Yetur has good hand placement off the snap, but he lacks the necessary counter moves to get off blocks when defenders stuff him. He has yet to show nuance as a pass rusher and more times than not, he wins with his traits as opposed to his technique; when taking the edge he can struggle to clear the lineman’s hands.
Despite being a phenomenal athlete it does not seem to translate to his get off. He often struggles to be the first, and at times even the second or third player on the line which puts him at a disadvantage early. Not only is he not explosive out of his stance, but he lacks snap anticipation and because of this he is often forced to battle the man straight up as opposed to getting the outside shoulder and working against “half-a-man”.
As a run defender, there are times where he gets too eager and attempts to undercut the blocker looking to make a play on the ball carrier. When he does this and is unable to bring the man with the ball down he gives up the edge. He needs to get his arms extended and ride the blocker to sideline forcing the ball carrier to have to cut back into traffic.
When rushing the passer there are times where Gross-Matos will rush in an upright position giving the lineman an easy target. If he continues to do so at the next level linemen will easily out leverage no matter how strong and sturdy he is.