Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Hercules Mata’afa

Pro Comparison: Olivier Vernon, New York Giants

Mata’afa would actually have to put on some weight to get into the same range as Vernon. However, as a pass rusher, he explodes off of the ball in the same variety as Mata’afa. Mata’afa is also in the backfield defending the run about as frequently as Olivier Vernon. It took some time, and some finding the right fit for Vernon, who can slide inside at times as well. However, when he finally came into his own in the NFL, he became one of the more reliable defensive ends in the NFL.

Mata’afa has a chance to have a bigger impact. He has the explosion off of the ball and with quick hands and able to slither between offensive lineman, his sacks totals could overshadow that of Vernon. All of that while maintaining the idea of a reliable run stopper. It is a projectable player, but what Hercules Mata’afa can become is mighty intriguing.