Robert Mathis

Mathis set a career high with 19.5 sacks in 2013, but missed all last season with PED suspension and Achillies injury. His status for the 2015 season is unclear as he didn't participate in any offseason workouts. Colts owner owner Jim Irsay has said he may not return to 100 percent until November, while Mathis has said he'll be ready for Week 1. We'll get a better read on his status in training camp, but it may hard for him to be an impact player again at age 34 after missing a season.

Mathis was second in voting for defensive player of the year last season with a career high 19.5 sacks. His ability to rush the passer is the key element to Indy's defense. However, he will miss the first four games of the season after a NFL suspension for taking a performance-enhancing substance. At age 33, it's hard to see him matching his career high rate of sacks per game again, but he's been a consistent sack artist at defensive end or rush linebacker with our without another strong pass rusher (ie. Dwight Freeney) on the defensive line. He may continue to defy expectations.

Mathis recorded eight sacks in 2012 and will continue to provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks as a starting OLB for the Colts in 2013.

Despite being listed 23 pounds lighter, Mathis holds a much greater presence against the run than his generally more acclaimed counterpart, Dwight Freeney. The 2010 season saw the undersized edge rusher secure his second career 60-tackle total, including 11 sacks. His tackle totals usually aren't quite that high, but that's offset by Mathis garnering at least 9.5 sacks in all but two of his eight NFL seasons. He also tends to make his mark in the turnover category, as he has 36 career forced fumbles. Mathis' surprising presence as a run defender and ability to make the quarterback drop the football make him a solid second-tier IDP option on the defensive line.

Mathis is a solid fantasy option in IDP leagues as a consistent source of sacks — he’s racked up nine or more in five of the last six seasons. When he pairs those numbers with a healthy tackle tally, he moves from “solid” to “excellent” status. Unfortunately, his production in that all-important IDP category has been as inconsistent as his sack total bankable, with totals of 65, 32, 48 and 37 over the last four seasons. A litany of nagging injuries may keep Mathis from the ranks of the elite fantasy DEs.

Mathis rebounded last year after an injury-plagued 2007 to post 11 sacks, his most since 2005. He’s been fairly consistent in the sack department, totaling at least 9.5 every year since 2004 except for the aforementioned 2007. Increasing his tackles, though, has made him a more useful IDP. After just 36 tackles in 2004, Mathis posted 54 and 65 the next two years and was on pace for 50-plus last season before sitting out the season finale with a playoff berth already wrapped up (finishing with 48). Mathis (6-2, 235) isn’t big, but he has plenty of speed to track down ball carriers and get to quarterbacks. The Colts got bigger at DT through the draft, which should help, and with a healthy Dwight Freeney on the other side, Mathis should again produce quality fantasy numbers.

Mathis has seen his sack totals drop in each of the past two season, but last year's total of 7.0 was still useful from a defensive end. Mathis missed three games last season and should bounce back to double-digit sack totals if he stays healthy.

Used to be, Mathis had the sacks but not the tackles to be a worthy IDP. As a passing down specialist in 2004, he made an impressive 10.5 sacks, but his 36 total tackles weren't enough for fantasy owners, even if an outstanding number for someone not playing every down. But come 2005, Indianapolis plugged the undersized speed freak into the standard package, and Mathis not only totaled 11.5 sacks but also 54 tackles— all in just 13 games. His 65 total tackles in 16 games last season show Mathis has clearly learned how to support the run. The same pace and body control that get him through to quarterbacks, also help him change directions and track down runners. Mathis spent time on injury reports last year with ankle, knee and hip dings, which partly account for his slightly low 9.5 sacks. Indy’s defense has undergone many offseason changes, but Anthony McFarland is still tying up blockers as the defensive tackle alongside Mathis, so there should be no changes in Mathis‘ production.

How some every down ends can make barely 30 solo tackles in a season while Mathis can rack up 43 solos in 13 games as a passing-down specialist might just garner an entry in a Time Life book on the supernatural. Mathis lists at 6-2, 235, which is small for a linebacker, not to mention an end. Obviously, offensive linemen can swallow him whole when the run comes in his direction, so he’s something of a liability on running downs. Still, all those tackles didn’t come from sacks and receiver coverage – he’s making plenty of tackles in pursuit. In the same feature pass-rush specialist role the previous year, Mathis turned in 32 solos, so it’s safe to assume that his part-time status doesn’t preclude him from fantasy relevance. With 10.5 sacks in 2004, he’s demonstrated solid consistency. Speaking of which, that’s the right word for making sacks in each of the first eight games last year. In fact, he got in on a sack in all but two of his 13 games (he was rested for the playoffs), an astounding run of helpful games for owners. Teammates Dwight Freeney and Corey Simon are the more talented linemen, but Mathis certainly reaps the rewards.

Mathis is an undersized defensive lineman who posted 10.5 sacks in 2004 while opposing lineman focused on Dwight Freeney.

Mathis will backup at one of the defensive end positions.

Will be used on special teams and could also be turned loose as a situational pass rusher.