The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao plans on taking full advantage. Matavao recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Matavao also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his abilities as a dual-threat tight end, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Motavao better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Moliki Matavao: I was actually at my girlfriend’s house (laughs). I was beyond excited. I almost had no words. I had been waiting on getting my invite. I was hopeful that it was coming.
Jim Nagy sent me a text and we hopped on the phone. I was like, ‘Let’s go.’ I’m pretty sure I know what’s coming (laughs). I called him right away. He delivered my formal invite and I was so excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my talents against the best. I’m ready to compete.
JM: That’s a great story. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Moliki Matavao: Knowing that my talents can match up with anyone, it was a no-brainer for me. It’s awesome to go play in a game that’s best on best. The Senior Bowl invites some of the best prospects in the country. It was an easy choice for me. There’s going to be so much talent in attendance. I’m excited to compete and play my game.
JM: Speaking of scouts, what are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Moliki Matavao: That I can do it all. I feel like a lot of people are overlooking me and certain aspects of my game. I’m going to the Senior Bowl to prove I’m an every-down tight end. I can catch the ball, and I can block. I’m ready to prove that I’m an all-around tight end.
JM: Building on that, how would you write your own scouting report? How would you self-scout yourself?
Moliki Matavao: I’m a well-balanced, versatile tight end. I can put my hand in the dirt and block the C-gap. I can also stretch defenses vertically in the passing game. I can make a move in space and pick up yards after the catch. I think I did those things this past season. I’m excited to show more of that at the Senior Bowl.
JM: You took a step forward as a pass-catcher this year, posting a career-high 506 receiving yards. Do you feel like there’s still some untapped potential for you in the passing game?
Moliki Matavao: No doubt I do. I feel like I had a breakout season in 2024. There’s so much more to explore. I can’t wait to highlight every aspect of my game at the Senior Bowl. I’m still putting in the work. I feel like the sky’s the limit for me in the passing game. I’ve barely scratched the surface.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any tight ends at the next level? You talked about being a dual-threat guy. Who do you enjoy watching and learning from?
Moliki Matavao: I love watching George Kittle right now. In the past, I was a big Jason Witten fan. He was one of my all-time favorites. He was so good both as a blocker and pass-catcher.
JM: Those are great choices. Does Moliki Matavao have a favorite route to run?
Moliki Matavao: The sail route was my favorite this past season. It’s a beater versus man and zone coverage. I’m able to get a feel for the defense and adjust the sail route as necessary. In man, if the defender is behind me or playing off, I could snap [the route] off early. If he’s playing zone, I can find that hole and get open for my quarterback. I love the sail route.
JM: Are you looking forward to swapping jerseys with anybody at the next level?
Moliki Matavao: It would be awesome to get Travis Kelce’s jersey. He’s one of the greatest tight ends to ever do it, so he has to be on the list. George Kittle is another all-time great. I’d love to add those to the collection.
JM: What’s on Moliki Motavao’s pre-game playlist?
Moliki Matavao: A little bit of everything. I’m more of a calm before the storm kinda guy. I listen to a lot of country music. I like to relax before a game.
JM: This has been an outstanding conversation. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Moliki Motavao?
Moliki Matavao: It means I turned some heads out there. I’m excited to highlight my game in front of the scouts. I’m a good football player that loves the game. I want that to be obvious in Mobile. I can’t wait to go out there and compete.
