2022 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Matthew Butler

Lateral Mobility

Butler’s ability to change directions and make plays in space are quite impressive for a player of his size. At the same time, he has the speed to stick will ball carriers in the open field. That is especially true, if a reset or an adjustment needs to be made. Butler does well to stay low and compact to the ground in those moments. On the other hand, he can certainly explode and cut off angles that appear to be open for opponents.

First Step Explosiveness

Overall, Butler is more quick than he is explosive, as things currently stand. He can come out of his stance higher from time to time too. When he is able to sustain a lower center of gravity, Butler can quickly get deep into the frame of blockers and into the backfield. A sneaky part of his quickness comes after the initial first step. That is not to say that Butler cannot fire hard off of the snap. Yet, it is almost more impressive how he can redirect and find a different gear. That is exemplified when Butler is originally stopped by opposing offensive linemen.

Flexibility

This defender possesses splendid ankle flexion at the interior of the defensive line. In the meantime, he has appeared to be extremely comfortable with rushing the passer via stunts or twists upfront. Butler does not always have the most stable balance, as he can get his weight out and on top of his toes. The Tennessee product can slightly make up for that with his adequate footwork.

Run Defending

Butler enters the NFL as an above average run defender. In addition to his aforementioned hand power and speed, he is gifted with elite length and uses that to his advantage. Butler is able to stun blockers with how early he can gain leverage during the rep. Do not discount this defender’s ability to control gaps, stack blocks and reset the line of scrimmage either. He simply clogs up lanes and makes it extremely challenging for opposing offensive linemen to get up the field.

Hand Counters

Butler’s ability to be violent and powerful at the point of attack will be a nice starting point as he enters the NFL. There are certainly areas to improve upon within his pass rush hand counters, however. Butler is just not that refined or consistent with his hand technique, as of now. He wants to win one-on-one battles with his strength and mass. Though, Butler is often unable to string moves together against opponents. He does have the ability to rip through a blocker’s hands with a swift swipe or rip. But, Butler is late in getting his hands extended at the point of attack. There are definitely times where he is not as aggressive as one would hope. Meanwhile, Butler also has a tendency to leave his hands too wide against blockers.

Versatility

His potential to provide resistance against both the run and the pass will allow him to possibly be a three-down defender. At Tennessee, Butler played both at 3-tech and 5-tech, while occasionally lining up at nose tackle over the top of the center. He may not receive those same opportunities at the NFL, especially early on. Butler does not have the mass or density to constantly play closer to the center at the next level. Mainly, sticking at 3-tech or 5-tech could be more beneficial for Butler, given his flexibility and lateral quickness.

CHIEFS FIT

The Kansas City Chiefs are due to add more depth around Chris Jones at defensive tackle. Tennessee’s Matthew Butler may have the exact play style that this defense needs as they continue to reload. For one, his capability to produce against both the run and the pass is a tremendous starting point. Butler is also not limited to one technique or method upfront. He can crash hard across the opponent’s face, rush the passer with multiple tracks to the quarterback, or handle gap control responsibilities against the run. Lastly, Butler has the power, explosiveness and speed combination that Steve Spagnuolo gravitates towards.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs draft prospect profiles throughout this spring. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.