Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers

In the NFL, where specialized roles often define defensive players, Scott Matlock has carved out a unique niche for the Los Angeles Chargers: a defensive lineman who can excel at every position along the front four. From nose tackle to defensive end, Matlock’s ability to shift between roles, adapt to game situations, and maintain high-level production has made him a linchpin of the Chargers’ defense—and a frequent subject of praise from coaches, teammates, and front office staff. Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers explores how this small-town Idaho native (drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Boise State) developed his all-around skills, the specific ways he contributes across positions, and why his flexibility has become a critical asset for a Chargers team chasing an AFC West title. For a defense that values adaptability over rigid specialization, Matlock isn’t just a useful player—he’s a strategic weapon.

Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the roots of his multi-positional skill set, which trace back to his college career and the Chargers’ intentional development plan. At Boise State, Matlock played both defensive tackle and end, but it was the Chargers’ coaching staff that refined his ability to toggle between roles seamlessly. Upon joining the team in 2024, defensive line coach Giff Smith designed a “position-agnostic” training regimen for Matlock: he practiced nose tackle techniques (like clogging run gaps with his 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame) in the morning, then shifted to defensive end drills (like using speed to rush quarterbacks) in the afternoon. Smith also had Matlock study film of NFL greats like Aaron Donald and Calais Campbell—players known for their ability to dominate multiple spots—to learn how to adjust their body language and approach based on the position. “Scott came in with natural size and strength, but we wanted to turn him into a Swiss Army knife,” Smith said in a 2025 interview. “He took to it immediately—he’s the kind of player who asks, ‘What else can I learn?’ instead of ‘Why do I have to do this?’ That’s rare.” By the end of his rookie season, Matlock was already playing 25% of his snaps at three different positions, a preview of what was to come.

Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers delves into his standout 2025 season, where his flexibility has become impossible to ignore. Through the first 14 weeks, Matlock has played 45% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps—split almost evenly between nose tackle (35%), defensive tackle (33%), and defensive end (32%)—and recorded 32 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, and 2 forced fumbles. What makes his production remarkable is its consistency across roles: as a nose tackle, he ranks third on the team in run stops (12); as a defensive end, he’s tied for fourth in pass-rush win rate (18.2%); and as an interior tackle, he’s one of only two Chargers defenders with multiple forced fumbles. A Week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders showcased his range perfectly: in the first quarter, he lined up at nose tackle and stuffed a Raiders run for a 2-yard loss; in the third quarter, he shifted to defensive end and sacked Aidan O’Connell with a quick swim move; and in the fourth quarter, he played defensive tackle and forced a fumble that the Chargers recovered to seal the win. “That game was Scott in a nutshell,” said Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks. “One play he’s plugging a gap, the next he’s rushing the passer—he never misses a beat. It’s like having three different players in one.”

Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers examines the coaching staff’s glowing endorsements, which highlight how his flexibility solves key defensive challenges. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has repeatedly called Matlock “the unsung hero of our front seven,” noting that his ability to play multiple positions lets the Chargers avoid substituting defensive linemen in critical situations—keeping starters fresh and maintaining defensive rhythm. In a Week 12 win over the Cleveland Browns, for example, the Chargers faced a third-and-1 in the fourth quarter; instead of bringing in a dedicated run-stopping nose tackle, Matlock stayed in at defensive end, shifted inside, and tackled Browns running back Kareem Hunt for no gain. “Scott lets us simplify our game plan,” Harbaugh said after the game. “We don’t have to worry about ‘who’s in for run downs’ or ‘who’s in for pass downs’—we just put Scott out there, and he adapts. That’s a huge advantage against teams that try to exploit substitution patterns.” Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley echoed the praise, adding that Matlock’s versatility forces opposing offenses to “guess, not prepare.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, which faces pass-heavy teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and run-dominant squads like the Denver Broncos in the same season, Matlock’s ability to switch roles lets the defense stay aggressive without sacrificing discipline.

Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers explores how his teammates benefit from his flexibility, particularly the Chargers’ star edge rushers. Joey Bosa and Odafe Oweh—who combined for 18 sacks in 2025—often credit Matlock with creating opportunities for their pass rushes. When Matlock lines up at nose tackle, his ability to draw double teams (he’s been double-teamed on 40% of his snaps) frees Bosa and Oweh to face one-on-one matchups with offensive tackles. When he shifts to defensive end, he forces opposing guards to slide over, creating gaps for Bosa to exploit inside. “Scott is the reason I get so many one-on-ones,” Bosa said in a recent press conference. “Offenses can’t focus on stopping me or Odafe because they have to account for Scott everywhere. He’s like a magnet—he pulls blockers away, and we get to work.” Matlock’s versatility also eases the burden on the Chargers’ defensive line depth, which has been tested by injuries (defensive tackle Austin Johnson missed three games with a bicep strain in 2025). Instead of relying on unproven backups, the Chargers simply moved Matlock to Johnson’s spot—maintaining production without disrupting the defense. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this kind of “next-man-up” flexibility isn’t just convenient—it’s essential to staying competitive in a brutal AFC West.

Scott Matlock's Versatility Praised by the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the long-term value of his skill set, both for the Chargers and for Matlock’s career. At 24 years old, Matlock is under team control for four more seasons, giving the Chargers a cost-effective, multi-positional defender to build around. His versatility also aligns with the Chargers’ long-term defensive strategy, which prioritizes players who can adapt to evolving NFL offenses (like spread formations that blur run-pass distinctions). Front office staff have noted that Matlock’s flexibility makes him “trade-proof”—a player too valuable to part with, even in a league where specialized pass-rushers and run-stoppers are often sought after. For Matlock himself, the praise has been humbling, but he attributes his success to the Chargers’ system. “They didn’t try to box me into one position—they let me be me,” Matlock said. “I just want to help the team win, whether that’s stopping the run, rushing the passer, or anything in between.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Scott Matlock’s versatility is more than a talking point—it’s a reminder that in modern football, the most valuable players are the ones who can do it all. As the Chargers push toward the playoffs, Matlock will continue to shift between positions, make plays, and earn praise—all while proving that sometimes, the best role is no role at all.