2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mattheus Carroll, DE, Kent State
- Name: Mattheus Carroll
- School: Kent State
- Exposures: Florida State, Toledo, Buffalo
- Height/Weight/Position: 6030, 240, Defensive End
- Honors: Academic All-Conference (2024)
Summary: Fifth-year senior, starts at DE/Edge, not an every-down player and more of a rotational player. Has aligned in both a two-point and three-point stance. Very long-limbed prospect in both the arms and legs. Below-average to poor pass rusher, below-average run defender. Poor block shedding is his primary flaw in both phases of the game. Low-impact, underachieving player just given his size, length and athleticism. As a run defender, he is below-average. Takes on double-team blocks aggressively and can occupy space. Flashes ability to redirect after setting a vertical edge and would love to see him do that more. Has good first-step quickness and flashes twitch, and has the potential for flashing solid edge speed, but is a poor block shedder who struggles to disengage off blocks. Gets pushed vertically and at times can get taken for a ride. Does not lack effort; has very active feet and hands when he reaches blockers, just struggles to disengage. As a pass rusher, he is poor; has just two recorded sacks through five years of college football and was never around the QB against FLST. Solid motor when he is able to turn the corner, but plays very high and lacks bend and leverage. Tends to pop up out of his stance on the first step. No extra moves beyond a bull rush. Has a ton of potential given his frame, could develop into a solid prospect with the right coach, but has a long way to go to be considered a draft-able prospect.
Conclusion: I like Carroll as an undrafted free agent, a camp guy who could get a chance He has the size and frame to succeed, but his inability to shed blocks consistently puts a damper on his athletic ability. He is a below-average run defender and poor pass rusher who needs to make serious leaps forward to be considered draft-able.