Mataalii Benjamin

Physical Profile

Benjamin owns prototype next-level length and frame at 6-7/315, with the broad shoulders and long arms scouts covet for a true tackle. Despite the size, evaluators consistently note he is light on his feet, moves well laterally, and shadows speed rushers — a rare blend of mass and foot quickness. The frame still has room to add functional muscle, and his length translates directly to a wide pass-pro kick-slide and the ability to ride edge rushers past the pocket. His build profiles equally well at left or right tackle, and some project he could kick inside to guard at the next level if needed.

Play Style

Benjamin plays with the mean streak and finishing temperament you want in the trenches, combining a physical demeanor with surprising body control. He started at right tackle as a senior, helping Lehi reach the second round of the 6A playoffs for an offense that threw for 1,923 yards and rushed for 1,547 — meaning he protected in obvious passing situations and moved bodies in the run game. On film he wins with length and patience in pass-pro, mirroring edge speed and resetting his anchor against power; he's a complete tackle prospect rather than a one-dimensional mauler or pure finesse blocker.

Strengths

• Elite length and frame used effectively in pass protection — uses arm length to lock out and control rushers, with the kind of build 247Sports' Greg Biggins called 'the kind of frame you love to see in a next level lineman'
• Anchor and play strength at the point of attack — sits in a solid base and can stone bull rushers who try to run through him, holding ground against power
• Foot quickness and lateral mobility uncommon for his size — light on his feet, moves laterally well, and shadows speed off the edge; was a standout at the Polynesian Bowl Combine in Las Vegas

Areas to Improve

• Pad level and leverage — at 6-7 he must consistently bend and play with knee flexion to avoid getting under-leveraged by shorter, lower-pad-level rushers; common development need for tall tackles
• Hand timing and refinement in the run game — needs to sustain and finish blocks more consistently and develop a more reliable initial punch to match his physical tools against college-level competition

College Projection

A developmental redshirt candidate as a true freshman who profiles as a multi-year starter at tackle for Utah. Given his frame and the Utes' track record developing offensive linemen, expect a year in the strength program to add mass and refine technique before competing for a starting tackle job by Year 2-3. His positional versatility (either tackle spot, potential guard fit) raises his floor and accelerates the path to the two-deep.

NFL Outlook

As a 4-star with a true-tackle frame and the foot quickness/length combination NFL teams prize, Benjamin carries genuine Day 2-3 draft upside if he develops on schedule. The traits are pro-caliber — length, anchor, lateral agility — and evaluators see a player who 'could end up on either side of the line at the next level.' Realization hinges on three-plus years of leverage, hand, and strength development against Big 12 competition; the ceiling is a starting-caliber NFL tackle, with guard as a fallback.

Best Fit

A pro-style or gap/zone hybrid scheme that lets him pass-set with depth and use his length in space, while leaning on his anchor in a power run game. Utah is an ideal landing spot — a program built on physical, well-developed offensive line play with the patience and player-development infrastructure to maximize a high-ceiling, frame-and-length tackle prospect over a multi-year runway.