The 2022 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Matthew Butler 2022 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Tackle
Size: 6-foot-4, 297 pounds
Class: Senior
2021 stats: 47 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Butler has been a bright spot for Tennessee over the last three seasons. Now he is heading to the 2022 NFL Draft.
As a four-star prospect out of North Carolina, Butler decided to play for the Volunteers. He had four total tackles as a freshman then added to that with 13 tackles as a sophomore. In 2019, Butler had 45 total tackles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Tennessee went 8-5 with Butler’s help that season. He returned in 2020, registering 43 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. The Volunteers struggled with a 3-7 record. Butler decided to use an extra year of eligibility and returned for 2021. He had 47 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Tennessee improved to 7-5 with Butler leading the way.
Following a great 2021 season, Butler has entered the 2022 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Butler has good size for the NFL. He is 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds. While that doesn’t make him the biggest defensive tackle in the class, he will fit right in at the pro level. He also has long 33 and 1/2-inch arms which help him shed blocks.
For an interior defensive lineman, Butler is athletic. He has good quickness at the snap of the ball. Butler has the lateral agility to make things tough on an offensive lineman. To go with that, he also has solid flexibility and can bend around offensive linemen.
His motor can’t be understated. A lot of his production is because he works hard and sticks with the play. When the play isn’t to his side or the quarterback takes a few extra seconds to throw the ball, Butler stays engaged in the play.
Butler wins on his effort and athleticism, but needs a better pass rush plan on every snap. He could see a massive increase in his sack production if he works on changing things up. Right now, he doesn’t get to the quarterback quickly enough consistently.
He can struggle with powerful offensive linemen on the interior. Butler can’t always evade them with his athleticism and while he has decent strength, he struggles to shed against strong offensive linemen. He will need to maintain his leverage and use his athleticism to win those matchups.
Because he is a taller defensive lineman, Butler’s pad level can get too high. He needs to maintain leverage and stay low. If he is able to do this, he will be more powerful and could handle strong offensive linemen better.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
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