How Pitt CB Damarri Mathis Has Quickly Elevated His Draft Stock

This Pitt Panthers defensive back is the next NFL Draft steal.

This past week, three Pittsburgh Panthers were performing at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. However, the majority of the Panthers' talk was Kenny Pickett.

While Pickett achieved and led Pat Narduzzi's team to their first ACC championship, he did not do it alone. 

More specifically, one of his teammates played a big role in Pitt's success last season.

After missing the 2020 season due to a preseason injury, Damarri Mathis took on his final collegiate season by force.

The team's best coverage cornerback displayed a unique ability to thrive in many coverage techniques.

Whether it was press-man, bail, zone, or man-match, Mathis was an integral part of Narduzzi's defense in each of his four seasons in college.

Lowest completion rates allowed at outside CB since 2019:

🔸 Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU - 35%
🔸 Jason Pinnock, Pitt - 37%
🔸 Damarri Mathis, Pitt - 37%
🔸 Derek Stingley Jr, LSU - 38% pic.twitter.com/mt5g3U8v7a

— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 8, 2021

In addition, he is a more than willing tackler in the open field and run support.

Pitt CB Damarri Mathis will come up and pop ya!

No problem being a force defender (or enforcer) in the flats! At 5107 205 - has the size/physicality to play some big nickel too@seniorbowl got a good one heading to Mobile! @Damarri15 pic.twitter.com/ZzGdj8UwQE

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 23, 2021

As an Honorable-Mention All-ACC player, one would presume a player of Damarri's caliber would be spoken of more in NFL Draft circles.

However, even after being selected and chosen for the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, last month - the discussion of the Lakeland, Florida native was non-existent.

Quickly, the narrative changed as both coaches and scouts took notice of the 5-11 defensive back in various drills and practices in Mobile.

Don’t love the backpedal and the footwork off the line, but I do love this recovery and play on the ball from Pitt’s Damarri Mathis. #Jets coach loved it too, came up to Mathis to show appreciation for the play. #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/ndCez0Svjc

— David Wyatt-Hupton (@DWyattHupton) February 2, 2022

With him introducing himself to numerous organizations, the momentum did not stop there. At the NFL Combine this past week, Mathis turned heads with an impressive 40-yard dash time. 

Don’t sleep on @Marri863‼️

Damarri Mathis is the latest Pitt DB to open eyes at the #NFLCombine 👀

4.40 ⏱ in the 40-yard dash 🔥

Watch on the @NFLNetwork 📺#H2P » @NFL pic.twitter.com/AoJafNOG46

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) March 6, 2022

Slowly but surely, his draft stock is surging upwards due to more exposure. Finally, for one NFL team, they will be gaining an outstanding player who understands the nuances of pass coverage.

It should not come as a surprise to anyone if the former Panthers' name is called in the top-100 of next month's NFL Draft.

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