Phidarian Mathis

Mathis gives Buffalo a big, experienced rotational option for later in the year. His challenge is returning from the suspension ready to carve out snaps in a crowded young front.

Strengths: Size, professional experience, interior depth and past draft pedigree.

Weaknesses: Suspended to open the season and lacks a settled high-volume role.

Mathis has the size and draft pedigree to be worth another look, and he did provide 13 tackles in six games after joining Buffalo last year. But his role cannot be discussed without the reserve/suspended designation that keeps him out of the immediate picture. I put him at a four: he can be a useful heavy interior option if available, yet the NFL production and availability have not caught up to the second-round investment.

Strengths: He has a true nose-tackle build, enough strength to occupy space and prior NFL experience. Mathis can give a front a sturdier early-down body when his conditioning and availability are right.

Weaknesses: The current suspension status removes immediate value, while his career production has been limited. He has not consistently created pressure or shed blocks fast enough to earn a stable high-snap role.