Matthew Nelson

Physical Profile

Possesses an ideal frame for an edge rusher at 6-foot-5, with a lean build in the 215-220 pound range in high school. He has the capacity to add significant bulk to his frame, as evidenced by his weight gain to 232 pounds after enrolling at Oklahoma. His most impressive physical traits are his explosive burst and flexibility, which are directly linked to his track background where he won an Arkansas 6A state title in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.50 seconds. This translates to 'get-off suddenness' and 'chase-down juice' on the football field.

Play Style

On film, Nelson is a disruptive force off the edge who wins with his initial burst and speed. He 'terrorizes quarterbacks' by quickly getting into the backfield and has a knack for making plays. His playing style is characterized by a high motor, and he has shown the ability to create leverage, shed blocks, and make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. While his pass-rushing technique is still developing, his natural athleticism and flexibility allow him to bend around the edge and pursue plays from the backside.

Strengths

• Elite athleticism for his size, demonstrated by his state-championship hurdles times and participation in wrestling, which speaks to his flexibility, burst, and understanding of leverage.
• Excellent frame and length at 6-foot-5, providing a significant wingspan to disengage from blockers and disrupt passing lanes.
• High-motor player who makes plays in the backfield against both the run and the pass due to relentless effort and natural athleticism. In his junior season, he recorded 51 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.

Areas to Improve

• Technically raw as a pass rusher, needing to develop a wider array of moves and counters beyond relying on pure athleticism.
• Needs to continue adding mass and functional strength to his frame to effectively set the edge against larger offensive tackles at the collegiate level.

College Projection

Expected to be a developmental prospect at the University of Oklahoma who will likely redshirt his freshman year to focus on physical development and refining his technique. Given his athletic upside, he has the potential to become a multi-year starter and an impact pass rusher in the SEC. His progression will be tied to how quickly he can add weight and develop his pass-rushing repertoire.

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that allows its edge rushers to play in a two-point stance and utilize their athleticism to attack the quarterback. A program with a strong strength and conditioning and defensive line coaching staff will be crucial to maximizing his raw potential. His commitment to Oklahoma under Brent Venables, a defensive-minded head coach, is an excellent fit for his development.