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BYU OL Ryker Mathews has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Mathews spent the last five seasons playing every position along the offensive line for BYU (and even some blocking tight end). He was forced to sit out his first season at the Y due to injury and battled injury throughout his career, but was still able to be an important contributor to the Cougars' offensive line.
Despite his injuries, Mathews was able to play in 45 games for the Cougars and start in over 28. During his career at BYU, Mathews earned several honors including being named to the Outland Trophy Watch List and both Phil Steele's Preseason and Postseason All-Independent Second Teams.
At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, Mathews has the size of the top offensive lineman in this year's draft class. His strong football IQ and versatility playing multiple positions make him a valuable prospect as an UDFA. As you will see in his Pro Day results below his athleticism isn't going to blow anyone away, but does show he can still move after several major surgeries. The lack of foot speed likely need to play the tackle position at the NFL level and his injury history were likely what kept Mathews from hearing his name during the seven rounds of this year's Draft.
Here are Mathews' results from his Pro Day:
- 40-yard dash - 5.06 seconds
- 225 bench - 23 reps
- Vertical jump - 28.5 inches
- Broad jump - 8 feet 7 inches
- 20-yard shuttle - 4.73 seconds
- 3-cone drill - 7.85 seconds