Vikings Draft Boise State RB Alexander Mattison in 3rd Round of NFL Draft

Apr 26, 2019 at 10:25 PM

Craig Peters

Senior Editor

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State tight end Alec Dhaenens (87), running back Alexander Mattison (22), and running back Ryan Wolpin (21) kneel in the end zone before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. Boise State won 28-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against BYU in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) dives for a few extra yards on a carry against Fresno State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Brigham Young linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) looks to make a tackle attempt on Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU linebacker Riggs Powell (44) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison heads to the bench after scoring a touchdown against Air Force in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs through the tackle attempt by Fresno State defensive end Mykal Walker (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 24-17 over Fresno State. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball in the second half against San Diego State in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past the diving BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) reaches out to hand the ball off to Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) against BYU in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) tries to stay in bounds while being pressured by BYU linebacker Riggs Powell, left, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien, front left, gestures to the bench as running back Alexander Mattison waits for the call of a play in the huddle in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Air Force, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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San Diego State defensive lineman Anthony Luke (45) celebrates tackling Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) for a loss in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Air Force defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, left, comes in to tackle Boise State running back Alexander Mattison after a short gain in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. Boise State won 48-38. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws a swing pass to running back Alexander Mattison against Nevada during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)

Tom R. Smedes

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball as San Diego State safety Parker Baldwin (33) reaches in for a tackle attempt in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) during an NCAA college football game between Boise State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, is hit by Colorado State linebacker Josh Watson (55) on a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes past a Connecticut defender in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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San Diego State defensive lineman Anthony Luke (45) tackles Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, center, is swarmed by the San Diego State defense during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, runs past the Connecticut defense for a 9 yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State's Alexander Mattison runs against Nevada in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)

Tom R. Smedes

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is tackled by Troy linebacker Justin Whisenhunt (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Butch Dill/Associated Press

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) dives forward as he is tackled by Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle ,right, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22), center, fights for yards against the San Diego State defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22), right receives a hand off from Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, center, runs past the Connecticut defense for a 9 yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) during an NCAA college football game between Boise State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle (25) grabs Boise State running back Alexander Mattison , left, during a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past the Connecticut defense for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)

Gary Kazanjian

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Gary Kazanjian

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Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison heads downfield against Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)

Gary Kazanjian

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Air Force in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs for a touchdown past Nevada linebacker Lawson Hall during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, runs with the ball as Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle, center, tries to grab him an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is helped off the field after an injury during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State for the Mountain West championship in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Boise State won 17-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) carries the Bleed Blue flag as Boise State runs on to the field before the game with Connecticut in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) leaps over Nevada defensive back Dameon Baber (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Boise State won 41-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin, right, hands of the ball to running back Alexander Mattison (22) as they warm up before an NCAA college football game against Troy, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Butch Dill/Associated Press

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FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, file photo, Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif. For the second straight week Boise State and No. 25 Fresno State meet. This time it's for the Mountain West Conference championship and the game is in Boise rather than Fresno. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian, File)

Gary Kazanjian

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Gary Kazanjian

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) breaks a tackle attempt by Wyoming cornerback Robert Priester during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison takes a moment before an NCAA college football game against Fresno State for the Mountain West championship in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Boise State won 17-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Gary Kazanjian

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Fresno State's George Helmuth stops Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Fresno State won 28-17. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)

Gary Kazanjian

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is tackled by San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) after a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison heads downfield against Fresno State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)

Gary Kazanjian

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) scores a touchdown past San Diego State defenders during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Gary Kazanjian

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison gets past a tackle attempt by Wyoming cornerback Robert Priester during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Young Kwak

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming in Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Young Kwak

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Washington State cornerback Darrien Molton, right, brings down Boise State running back Alexander Mattison during second overtime in an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Young Kwak

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Boise State quarterback Montell Cozart (3) hands off the ball to running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. Boise State won 28-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)

Otto Kitsinger

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EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings capped the second night of the 2019 NFL Draft on Friday by drafting Boise State running back Alexander Mattison with the 102nd overall pick and final selection of the third round.

Mattison, a native of San Bernardino, California, played three seasons for the Broncos.

He garnered selection to the All-Mountain West First Team and became the first Boise State player to lead the conference in a season by totaling 1,415 rushing yards as a junior in 2018.

Mattison ranked eighth in the country in rushing yards, and led the Mountain West and ranked seventh in FBS with 17 rushing touchdowns. He posted six 100-yard rushing games, including games with more than 200 yards on the ground against Utah State and Fresno State.

Mattison (5-foot-11, 221 pounds) was a two-time Mountain West Scholar Athlete (2016-17).

He finished his career with 2,829 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on 581 rushes. Mattison also caught 60 passes for 511 yards and a score.

The selection of Mattison occurred after the Vikings, originally slated to pick 81st overall, made **four trades within the round** to land a bevy of picks for Saturday.

Minnesota started the three-day NFL Draft by selecting North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury with the 18th overall pick.

Bradbury visited Twin Cities Orthopedics Center on Friday, **making a dream a reality**. He also described how his experiences at N.C. State **carved his path** to the NFL.

The Vikings followed by selecting Alabama TE Irv Smith, Jr., in the second round. Smith is **following his father’s footsteps** as a draft pick.

Hall of Fame DE Carl Eller announced the selection of Smith, Jr., and former Vikings TE Steve Jordan announced Mattison as Minnesota's choice after leading fans in the SKOL Chant.

Player Bio

Mattison became the latest running back to excel in Boise, earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference accolades in 2018. He finished in the top 10 nationally in rushes (302), rushing yards (1,415), and rushing touchdowns (17) as a junior for the Broncos. In the MWC Championship Game loss to Fresno State, he carried the ball 40 times for 200 yards and a score. League coaches awarded him honorable mention notice in 2017, as he covered 1,086 yards and scored a dozen times on 212 carries (5.1 average) in 14 games (nine starts). Mattison contributed as a true freshman, as well, playing in all 13 games (67-328-4.9, four TDs). He was a part of Boise's passing game during his three-year career, catching 60 passes for 511 yards (8.5) and one score. At San Bernardino High School, Mattison ran for over 2,000 yards as a junior and senior while also winning league titles in wrestling and the 110-meter hurdles.

Overview

Productive, willful runner whose combination of functional patience and aggressive urgency helped him find his niche as an every-down workhorse. While he has the ability to create yards for himself with adequate elusiveness and power, he's not a slasher or banger by NFL standards and he lacks burst to produce chunk plays on a regular basis. Mattison is a jack-of-all-trades backup with the ability to step into a heavy-duty role if called upon. His talent as a pass-catcher could move him up the RB food-chain.

Strengths

Determined runner who can carry lively legs deep into games
Averaged 30 carries per game over final five in 2018 and thrived
Runs with above-average balance
Decisive running style
Leaped over open-field tacklers multiple times
Finds additional power as finisher near the goal line
Probes with good downhill urgency and finds the crease
Outstanding hands out of backfield
Adjusts to throws outside frame and has soft hands to absorb fastballs
Hits it upfield quickly after catch
Chip blocks have some bite

Weaknesses

Plays with a little bit of hip tightness
Multi-stepper to make lateral getaways
Prolonged open-field cuts
Does not appear to have a breakaway gear
Had just nine carries of 15-plus yards in 2018
Runs brave and takes too many direct hits
Not enough juice to turn play-side corners on stretch plays
Could use quicker recognition of pass-protection duties
Hand technique needs improvement as blocker

Sources Tell Us

"I think his best comparison is Alex Collins when he was coming out of Arkansas. He wasn't explosive but just got it done. That's how (Mattison) is." -- Running backs coach with NFC team

News | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com

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