Matthew is an interior defensive lineman who can also step off the line and contribute at the second level when needed. He plays with good effort at the point of attack, uses his hands to stay engaged with blockers, and holds his ground well against the run. When opportunities open up, he shows the ability to work into gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield. He also moves well enough in space to drop back into a more active role behind the line, giving his defense flexibility depending on the situation.

McKown can make plays at middle linebacker or off the edge, which allows him to disrupt offenses consistently. He gets downhill quickly, he plays under control and he is a thumper in run support. Matthew shows great patience, he uses his hands well at engagement and he plays with excellent leverage coming off the edge. His position versatility allows him to be a threat on every play.

Matthew is a young edge prospect with clear upside and traits that translate to the next level. He shows a natural burst off the snap, uses his length to keep blockers off his frame, and plays with an aggressive motor that shows up throughout the game. As he continues to develop strength and refine his pass-rush moves, his ability to disrupt the pocket and set the edge against the run will only grow. Matthew’s foundation, effort, and athletic tools point to a defender who is just scratching the surface of his potential.