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2026 Las Vegas Raiders Draft Scouting: John Mateer

**Stats:** 2025 (9 games) - 64%, 2086 yards, 8 TD, 7 INT, 95 att, 424 yards, 7 TD

I want to mention Mateer having 53 forced missed tackles in his 2024 season which was 4th in all of college football among every offensive player because it is fascinating. Mateer has an NFL caliber arm, and an above average one at that, he does a good job developing consistent touch and velocity on his pass attempts while also having the ability to complete pass attempts 45+ yards downfield. He shows the ability to put the ball in tight windows with good touch, exceptional anticipation and throws to make receivers open. Mateer generates his pass attempts out of a short quick release that allows him to throw out of multiple arm angles and generate turn on the ball. He’s strong in the pocket showing a good ability to step up and move around to avoid pressure while also utilize hitches and quick steps to make space for him to complete a pass. Matter shows the ability to work out of the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield and making a play while also having the knowledge to throw the ball away when necessary. Mateer is an exceptional runner with good footwork, strong burst and quickness along with true long speed at the position. He’s able to work as a scramble threat and a downfield designed running QB. Mateer shows toughness willing to take hits and isn’t afraid to complete passes through contact and pressure in the pocket. Notably, he came back from a wrist injury in 2 weeks after an estimated 6 week timeline though his play did fall off a touch.

Mateer is young, he’s a little inexperienced at quarterback but has a knack for the position as well. There’s times Mateer can take an extra hitch or stare down defenders on certain routes which can lead to interceptions and plays on the ball. Additionally, he has a tendency at times to look off and look back quickly without giving the DB enough time to give up leverage. His footwork will require consistency and refinement along with the times Mateer makes a random off platform pass when not needed (though the pass attempts are generally highly successful). Mateer is tough but undersized for the position which could lead to him being a lower rated prospect than others. Mateer isn’t going to threaten a defense with his arm downfield fully but he does have the ability to create long passes though there’s usually some loft under them which could lead to a play on the ball by the backend DBs and make him a scheme specific quarterback. Mateer will need to learn to avoid contact in the NFL at times as he often fights for extra yards, which is a good trait but could cause injuries. Additionally, you would like to see him not hold onto the ball as often in the pocket and rely on his athletic ability to bail him out along with having some “im the guy” in his arm and causing an errant throw that isn’t safe with the football.

**Grade:** 2.78 - Late 2nd Round

Mateer is an athletic monster at quarterback, he’s a true threat to throw for 3000 yards in the NFL with another 850+ rushing yards. While he’ll never likely lead the NFL or be top 10 in passing yards he’s an effective quarterback who can be a threat to defenses with his legs and arm in the short and intermediate range. Mateer is smart and generates above average zip, velocity, and touch on pass attempts within 15 yards. He’s a dangerous runner with the understanding for the position that allows him to be a threat outside of the pocket and strain defenses. Mateer could stay in college for his 2026 season but with the talent at the position that will likely declare in 2027 there’s a good bet he would declare and look to work into an NFL system quickly. The Raiders need at quarterback is clear and Mateer could be an option, he’s a smart quarterback who will win you games and very rarely will lose you them and Las Vegas could benefit greatly from his round 2 stock.

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