Mike Matthews Early 2027 NFL Draft Profile
The Tennessee Volunteers have a key matchup this Saturday, hosting top-ranked Texas to begin conference play. If Tennessee wants to take down the Longhorns and make a run at an SEC title, it will need to rely on true-freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon and wide receiver Mike Matthews. While much of the hype for this game surrounds Arch Manning facing his uncle’s alma mater, the Volunteers look to make an early statement.
Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman is a consensus top-ten pick for the 2027 NFL Draft, but he isn’t the only prospect at the position worth following Saturday afternoon in Knoxville. Matthews is a dynamic athlete who is a breakout candidate in a strong wide receiver class. What are some of his strengths and weaknesses as a prospect, and how does his game translate to the next level?
Mike Matthews 2027 NFL Draft Early Player Profile
Measurables
Height- 6-foot-1
Weight- 200 pounds
Background
Matthews was a four-star recruit coming out of Parkview (Georgia) and was the ninth-ranked wide receiver prospect in the Class of 2024. He committed to Tennessee, and while he didn’t start as a true freshman, he did appear in 11 games. Matthews finished 2024 with 90 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he started all 13 games for the Volunteers in 2025. He hauled in 53 catches for 813 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore, and had three games with over 100 receiving yards.
With Panthers’ third-round pick Chris Brazzell II gone, Matthews has taken on a larger role in 2026. Through three games, he has racked up 10 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Matthews’ best performance to this point in his collegiate career came in Week 1 against Furman, where he had 132 yards and two touchdowns on just four receptions.
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) runs with the ball during Tennessee’s college football game against Kennesaw State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Sept. 19, 2026.
Mike Matthews 2027 NFL Draft Strengths
Matthews has excellent speed, which makes him a threat to break off a huge play at any moment. He is a player who can stretch the field vertically, as is the case with several Tennessee receivers. His acceleration makes him dangerous after the catch, as he can reach his top-end speed quickly. Matthews is a smooth route runner who has good twitch out of breaks. This allows him to create separation against man coverage. He is a capable receiving threat on all three levels, being able to win on short, intermediate, and deep routes.
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) drops a long pass in the end zone during a game between Tennessee and Kennesaw State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2026.
Mike Matthews 2027 NFL Draft Weaknesses
The biggest concern for Matthews as a prospect is drops. He has struggled in that department, having an 11.4% PFF drop rate during his collegiate career. Another issue for Matthews has been contested catches, winning on just four of 13 contested-catch opportunities over the past three seasons. His lack of production in this area of his game may lead to questions about sticking as an X-receiver in the NFL.
The Last Word
Matthews will be an interesting prospect to follow as Tennessee’s schedule ramps up. He has an excellent combination of speed, acceleration, and shiftiness, which gives him tremendous upside. Matthews is a player who can flip a game with one play. He needs to have more consistent hands and prove he can win more often in contested-catch situations. Matthews is an X-receiver for the Volunteers, but he may be better suited to playing off the line of scrimmage at the next level.
He has shown flashes of elite play, but his draft stock will heavily depend on how he performs against tougher competition the remainder of this season. This Saturday is the first big opportunity for him to put the country on notice, plus he will have more chances when Tennessee plays Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU later in the year. Matthews is currently projected as a mid-round selection, likely going in either the third or fourth round. If he puts everything together, he can firmly establish himself as a day-two pick if he chooses to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft.
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