Matthew Sluka QB UNLV | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Matthew Sluka QB UNLV
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Dual Threat QB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/04/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.80 seconds (56%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Dual Threat QB | |
| Last Updated: 12/04/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.80 seconds (56%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 70.0 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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71% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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63% |
| Short Passing: |
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60% |
| Medium Passing: |
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67% |
| Long Passing: |
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69% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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78% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#288
Position rank:
#26
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| College Games: 27 College Snaps: 1643 | ||
247 RATING: 88/100
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Martinez - Kansas State |
|
54% |
| Austin Reed - Western Kentucky |
|
54% |
| Devin Leary - Kentucky |
|
51% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Sluka, a graduate transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV, is an interesting dual-threat quarterback prospect. The 6'3", 215-pounder from Locust Valley, New York, carved out an impressive FCS career before making the jump to FBS competition. At Holy Cross, Sluka racked up 5,916 passing yards with 59 touchdowns and 3,583 rushing yards with 38 scores on the ground over four seasons.A two-time state champion in high school, Sluka originally garnered interest as a lacrosse recruit before opting to pursue football. He quickly made his mark at Holy Cross, earning Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman. Sluka's production steadily increased, culminating in a senior campaign where he threw for 1,728 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,247 yards and 9 scores. His rushing total led all Division I quarterbacks in 2023.
Sluka's dual-threat ability reached new heights when he set the Division I single-game record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 330 against Lafayette. He capped his Holy Cross career as the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and finished fourth in Walter Payton Award voting for FCS Player of the Year. Now at UNLV, Sluka aims to prove he can replicate his success at the FBS level.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite dual-threat ability, can stress defenses with both his arm and legs
- Excellent rushing production, led all D-I QBs with 1,247 yards in 2023
- Shows good vision and instincts as a runner, knows when to tuck and go
- Flashes playmaking ability, can extend plays and create outside structure
- Improved passing numbers each season, demonstrating development as a passer
- Good size at 6'3" 215 lbs, sturdy frame to absorb hits as a runner
- Experienced four-year starter with 24 games played, battle-tested leader
- Productive college career with nearly 6,000 passing yards and 3,500 rushing yards
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks experience against top-level competition, played mostly FCS opponents
- Passing accuracy and ball placement can be inconsistent, especially on deep throws
- Release speed and mechanics need refinement for the pro level
- Decision-making can be questionable at times, needs to improve reading defenses
- Will need to adjust to pro-style offense after running spread system in college
Scouting Report: Summary
Sluka's tape shows a dynamic dual-threat QB with the wheels to stress defenses and the arm talent to push the ball downfield. His rushing ability jumps off the screen, showcasing vision, instincts, and enough burst to consistently move the chains. While his deep ball flashes potential, inconsistencies in short-to-intermediate accuracy and release mechanics need polish for the next level.The jump from FCS to FBS competition leaves question marks about Sluka's ability to process defenses and make quick decisions under pressure. His UNLV stint will be crucial in evaluating how he handles higher-caliber opponents. Teams will need to weigh his exceptional production against the level of competition and determine if his skillset can translate to a pro-style offense.
Sluka's ideal fit at the next level would be in a spread system that can maximize his mobility and big-play potential while developing his passing acumen. His dual-threat capabilities make him an intriguing developmental prospect, but he'll need time to refine his mechanics and adapt to the speed of the NFL game.
Written By:
J.T. Smith
How other scouting services rate Matthew Sluka (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
289.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
33.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.