The New Orleans Saints selected tight end Moliki Matavao from UCLA with the 248th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Moliki Matavao, a 6-foot-5 senior from Henderson, Nev., made a strong impact at both Oregon and UCLA during his collegiate career. A former four-star recruit, Matavao earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors in 2023 and led UCLA in receptions and receiving yards in 2024. He capped his college career with 74 catches for 998 yards and five touchdowns. Matavao was recognized on the John Mackey Award and Polynesian Player of the Year watch lists in 2024.
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2025 NFL Combine results on Moliki Matavao
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 263 | Hand Size: 9 1/2 | 40-Yard Dash: 4.81 | Vertical Jump: 32.5 | Broad Jump: 9' 6"
NFL.com overview on Moliki Matavao: Big in-line tight end whose flashes as a pass catcher helped to improve his draft stock. Matavao possesses a pro frame. He gets into routes and early break points with above-average quickness. His play speed has an expiration date, though, and coverage tends to close him out if the route lasts too long. Matavao will do what he's asked as a run blocker but lacks pad level, hand placement and aggression at the point. The frame and athleticism could help him make a roster, but sticking around might require an upgrade as a run blocker.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Check out photos of New Orleans Saints seventh round draft pick Moliki Matavao, tight end from UCLA, drafted 248th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
