Pittsburgh defensive end Nate Matlack transferred to the program from Kansas State for an opportunity to play in a pro-style defensive scheme. Matlack took advantage of his new surroundings. He recorded a career-best five sacks this past season while setting the edge.
Matlack recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Matlack discussed his decision to enter the portal, his pass-rush arsenal, learning from Maxx Crosby and his work ethic, and so much more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Kansas State to Pittsburgh?
Nate Matlack: It was a good overall decision for me. I felt like I needed to do something and take the next step to increase my chances of playing at the next level. Pittsburgh was running a pro-style scheme.
The scheme at Kansas State doesn’t translate as well to the NFL. It felt like the right decision to move on and go to Pittsburgh. I wanted to bet on myself and take a leap of faith. I think it worked out really well for me.
JM: Things went swimmingly for you. You had a career-high five sacks in 2024. Besides the new scheme, what changed for you that led to more success?
Nate Matlack: I just think it was a great fit for me. It put me in a different mindset. The Pittsburgh defense was all about being aggressive and playing fast and physical. Just having that mindset to go out there and play freely without thinking too much about it helped me take that next step.
I played freely. It allowed me to feel loose out there. It helped me play to the best of my ability.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? The five sacks this year made your tape a lot of fun to watch. What are your go-to moves and counters?
Nate Matlack: I’d say I’m a very versatile pass rusher. I definitely use a lot of finesse moves with a little power mixed in here and there. I like to use the double swipe. I like to watch Maxx Crosby. I try to perfect that double-swipe move because that’s Crosby’s best move.
I love using a spin move as my counter. That’s usually the first counter move in my arsenal. I hit a couple of good spins this past season that led to some productive plays.
I’ve recently been working down here in Florida with Javon Gopie AKA Sack Sensei to expand my pass-rushing bag a little bit. I’ve been adding some new moves to my arsenal like the cross chop. I’m going to be a more diverse rusher when I get my opportunity.
JM: Your arsenal pops on tape. Do you feel like you're a three-down lineman at the next level? Talk to me about stopping the run on early downs.
Nate Matlack: I definitely feel like I improved a ton as a run defender this past season. I got more used to playing on the edge as opposed to being a 4i or a 4-technique, which I played more of during my first few years at Kansas State.
It helped me develop a lot. I feel like I still have a ton of room to improve. I’ve only been in this more comfortable position for one season. I feel like I have wiggle room to continue expanding my game.
I have more work to do, but I’m definitely taking steps in the right direction.
JM: Are there any defensive linemen you'd compare yourself to at the next level? You mentioned Maxx Crosby earlier. Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Nate Matlack: Maxx Crosby is definitely my favorite player to watch and learn from. I just love the way he plays the game. He plays with real effort and physicality. I feel like he’s the standard for defenders with my body type.
Crosby and T.J. Watt come to mind. Playing in Pittsburgh this past season, I had a front-row seat to his dominance. We share a facility with the Steelers at Pitt. I came to watch a bunch of Steelers practices and felt really inspired by how he goes about his work.
Those two guys are my favorites to watch right now.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been so much fun. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Nate Matlack?
Nate Matlack: You’re going to get a guy who’s going to play his ass off every single play. I give maximum effort every play. I’m looking to prove to every team that I can play on special teams as well.
I’m willing to play any role on defense as well. I’m going to do whatever I can to help move the team in the right direction.
