Rumblings Scouting Report: USC LB Clay Matthews III
by jri111 on Apr 8, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
in 2010 NFL Draft
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As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches, the editorial staff at Buffalo Rumblings will begin profiling draft prospects that may end up being potential targets of the Buffalo Bills. jri111 drew the assignment of profiling the top linebackers in this year's class. In the spotlight today: USC's Clay Matthews.
Aside from defensive end, one of the biggest needs identified by the Rumblings community is the linebacker position. We started our examination of the position by profiling Wake Forest's Aarron Curry. Although Curry would be an ideal fit in Buffalo's 4-3 defense, he is expected to be long gone by the time the Bills' No. 11 pick rolls around. Thus, in an effort to target players that the Bills actually have a chance of drafting later this month, we will examine other linebackers not named Curry. Today, we look at the first of three USC linebackers, Clay Matthews.
Along with his USC teammate Brian Cushing, Matthews has recently been at the center of speculation regarding mandatory steroid testing at the Combine. First it was rumored that he tested positive. Then Matthews' agent issued a denial. More importantly, in Matthews' denial, it was stated that the league office has not yet released test results to NFL teams, ultimately meaning that we don't know - nor does anyone else really know - whether Matthews used performance enhancing drugs. However, until that time, we will analyze Matthews with the assumption that he is "clean."
To help analyze Matthews' game, Paragon SC of Conquest Chronicles was gracious enough to take time to answer some of our questions.
Clay Matthews, III - Linebacker, USC
6'2", 240 lbs, 4.57-second 40-yard dash
Senior
2008: 56 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 0 INT
Strengths
Lots of potential. Good size; very strong, tough and competitive. Good tackler. Natural pass rusher off the edge. Versatile - has the ability to play all three linebacker positions in the 4-3 and with his hand on the ground as an occasional pass rusher. Good initial hand punch to pop the blocker and disengage. Very good instincts. Non-stop motor. Has a knack for making big plays. A special teams standout, he was named co-special teams player of the year twice by USC - 2005 and 2006. Great intangibles - high football IQ, unmatched work ethic and top-notch bloodlines.
Weaknesses
Lack of experience (only 10 games as a starter). Sometimes he prefers to run around blocks rather than take them on. May be some what of a 'tweener with no true position. Not the most athletic player. May struggle in coverage; hands are below average. Doesn't have the size to play DE on a regular basis. Some injury concerns (broken thumb and fractured metacarpal which required surgery). Overachiever.
Things to Know
Arrived at USC and made the squad as a 166-pound walk-on linebacker/tight end. Only Idaho offered him a D1 scholarship. He was the fourth person in his family to play football for USC. Father, Clay Matthews, Jr., played 19 years in the NFL (1978-1996), the first 16 with the Cleveland Browns, and made the Pro Bowl four times. His uncle, Bruce Matthews is a Hall of Famer who made the Pro Bowl 14 times. Special teams standout who didn't earn a starting position until the third game of his senior season. Pac-10 Academic All-American with a 3.06 GPA in international relations.
What did Paragon SC have to say about Clay Matthews?
BR: What are his strengths?
Paragon SC: Matthews is in that "high speed, low drag" style of play where he just continues to move. He is a tough, versatile player that can play either outside LB or DE. His ability on special teams is very impressive, as he makes impact plays and always finds the ball carrier. He is disruptive on the ends and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. Very opportunistic and always around the ball.
BR: What are his weaknesses?
Paragon SC: He can be too aggressive at times and will have match-up problems in coverage. Less than stellar hands/ball skills. Because of his speed he is a great blitzer but he will try run around blocks instead of through them.
BR: Does he project better as a 4-3 OLB or a 3-4 OLB?
Paragon SC: He can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Because of his great range and instincts he can play all 3 LB positions.
BR: Anything different/special about him that we should know?
Paragon SC: Clay Matthews has been the biggest surprise this season. Matthews is a former walk-on who was under the radar at the start of his senior season. He got his start on special teams in his freshman season and he took off from there. He comes from a solid football tree where his father (Clay Jr.), grandfather (Clay Sr.) and uncle (Bruce) all played in the NFL.
Much more after the break...
By the Numbers
40-yard Dash: 4.67 (fourth best)
10-yard split: 1.49 (top among LBs/DEs)
20-yard split: 2.68
Bench Press: 23 reps*
Vertical jump: 35.5" (fifth best)
Broad jump: 10'1"(third best)
3-cone: 6.90 (second best)
20-yard shuttle: 4.18 (second best)
60-yard shuttle: N/A
Ability to Rush the Passer?
Matthews' outstanding 10-yard split time - best among pass rushers - indicates that he has an outstanding first step, which is vital for pass-rushing success in the NFL (check out this article from National Football Post for a great read regarding the 10-yard split). Matthews didn't just measure well though; he backed up his timed results with production: 9 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2008. Here is what New Era Scouting had to say about Matthews' pass-rushing skills:
As a senior, Matthews played the "Elephant" position, which is a standup rush end out of a 3-4 base. His best move is a straight, outside speed rush which is based on getting a great burst off the snap.
NFL Comparison?
New Era Scouting has that covered:
Could be as good as: Mathias Kiwanuka, New York Giants
Worst Case: Bobby Carpenter, Dallas Cowboys
Reviewing the Tape
Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews at USC Pro Day - 4.1.2009
2008 Highlight Video via CaliforniasGold:
Does he "fit the Bill?"
Short answer: 98% yes. Ideally, Matthews would be best suited for an OLB in a 3-4 defense, but he does have the versatility to excel in a 4-3 as well. Matthews has an unmatched work ethic and a knack for making big plays - two major pluses in the eyes of Bills talent evaluators. I would have two minor concerns with drafting Matthews. The first is experience. Matthews has less than a full season of starting experience at USC, which may make it hard to gauge his true abilities. Second, Matthews has questionable coverage skills. How he would hold up in the zone coverage employed by Buffalo remains a mystery.
Other Scouting Reports and Rankings
NFL.com
Draft Countdown
New Era Scouting
CDS Draft
NFLDraftScout
Walter Football
Again, many thanks to Paragon SC of Conquest Chronicles for providing his insight on Clay Matthews!
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The next Steve Lattimer?
“Guy´s, the NCAA has a testing program for this sort of thing so I suggest we let them handle it. Besides it´s not that hard to put 35 pounds of muscle on over the summer IF you hit the gym real hard.”
“Starting defense!!!! Place at the table!!!!”
[smashes head through car window]
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I think that his coverage skills are definately one of his strengths not a weakness...
this guy is a safety converted into a linebacker, he has supreme coverage skills for a LB… did you see this guy on his pro day??? he definately has the most fluid hips of any LB in the draft and that includes curry, and NFL scouts have even said that.. i was able to watch some of his pro day on the NFL network and i’d have to agree, he looked very smooth in his drop back, and was able to explode back to break on the passes.. i would also have to say that he has above average athleticism…
other then these two things i like the article..
i want a DE but mathews is growing on me.. so if maybin, orakpo, and brown are gone before we pick.. i’d take mathews and if we decide to go LB reguardless of what DE’s are available it had better be mathews, i like cushing too,, but i think mathews is the guy to get out of the LB crop this year.. besides curry of course.
Personally, I don’t get the Kiwanuka comparison. They’re different athletes completely.
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd draft him
It depends on if the Bills think a SLB is more important than DE….and also, if we are to trade Peters, could you land Matthews @ 11 and Pettigrew @ 21?
Either way, this is one player I’d be happy with
The Bills CAN win every game
It depends on if the Bills think a SLB is more important than DE
Does it? I’d say it depends more on if they like him more than they like the top DE on their board…
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions
well...
it could depend on which they find as a bigger need if both players are “equal” in their minds…that could surely be a part of it.
I prefer they take the best player available whoever it is just about, but if it were between Maybin and Matthews, I think its a hard decision….probably a hard decision between many players. This draft crap is hard
The Bills CAN win every game
In my opinion
They still should be using the BPA mentality.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
You really want to use the 11th pick on a guy who only started 10 games and gained 80 pounds in college?
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The starts thing, fine. That argument’s cool. Why does the weight thing come up so often? EVERYBODY gains weight in college. Why is it so earth-shattering that the dude gained 74 pounds in four years?
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Because putting that much weight on can’t be good for the body in the long run. I don’t put as much weight (pun intended) into it as the 10 games, but that just scares me.
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That’s fine. I just think it’s weird. Like I said, everybody puts weight on in college – and it’s not like Matthews doesn’t carry it well. He’s a real solid athlete, as evidenced by his Combine numbers.
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
football isn't good for the body...period
i’ve had several friends and myself included play collegiate football.. i never had to.. but my friends who were O-line or converting to another position.. would be told they are on 3 plate minimums each time they ate in order to put weight on.. plus the work out programs are much more intense.. and i can’t even imagine what usc has, they have this stuff down to a science.. many players put on weight and just as much as he has.. they do what they have to for their team and to succeed at the sport.. if a coach were to tell me to put on 80 pounds and i’d have a chance to be taken in the NFL draft let alone a first rounder.. i think we all know what we would do.. anything it took…
I used to be friends with a guy who was a LBer in college. He would eat 8 chicken sandwiches and 4 glasses of milk each day at lunch – BEFORE the pasta course. Then, he’d wrap up 3 burgers for a snack later on.
I think wrestlers have the most dangerous habits in terms of weight goals and eating/puking habits. There’s so many guys with eating disorders as a result of their years spent wrestling.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
i actually coach wrestling at a high school.. and i can't say that those guys aren't out there.. probably more so at the college level especially.. but i'd have to say they are in the minority
wrestling gets a bad name because of wrestlers that do things the wrong way.. which is sad for the sport.. many people label it.. weigth classes are just part of the sport.. like MMA, like boxing, like weightlifting and many other sports.. but wrestling seems to be the only one that gets labeled in this way.. it’s something that is in every sport where a certain weight needs to be made.
True. It’s the ‘tweeners that face those big challenges – the ones who don’t excell in a certain class at a certain point, so are asked to gain/drop to be more stout in their class.
I never wrestled (hated it), but I won’t soon forget seeing kids running around the pool with layer upon layer of sweats on, or the stories of kids hurling in the stalls right before weigh-ins.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I gained that much in 4 years of college, then promptly lost it all a few years later.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately they counted on the scale. I think it was more than just the gut too! Guinness was a good friend of mine back then. Problem was, you had to drink a good bit of it to feel anything.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I had a McDonald’s walking distance from me, $1 double cheeseburgers, and a White Castle open 24/7 by the bars. That and booze and I put on 40lbs in college, none of it muscle.
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I was part of a band and, well, one of the perks was open bar. We gigged 3-4 nights a week quite often.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
My school had a late night food court that included Taco Bell, KFC, Burger King, pizza and subs. And it took dining dollars, so we would get hammered at the bars and head over to the food after last call. Of course, the food was also on the way home from the bars to our house, which didn’t help….Somehow I didn’t put more than 10-15 lbs on during college.
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Brian man,
I’ve been around A LOT of workout warriors, and it’s tough for them to gain 20 lbs total working out 3 hrs a day…. when they’re doing it clean. Then as soon as they start taking roids, they blow up. Matthews is most likely juicing…. but who cares? It’s a pretty common thing for football players at every level of competition from high school on up to the pros. Now, in Matthews’ defense, it would be interesting to know how tall he was when checked into college because he just might have had a MAJOR growth spurt after weighing in at the combine at just over 6’3".
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
well
Then you’d have to take him at 11 probably, and then, see what you’d like at 21 (Pettigrew, Maybin, Matthews) because they might still all be available, but probably two and at least one of them.
I just wonder if the Bills will pull a zinger on everyone and draft someone that makes our head spin
The Bills CAN win every game
yeah 11 would probably be the spot and oher would probably be the player..
that’s what i’m thinking is the bills drafting someone that will make us say what the $%^$???
Man, not 1 but 2 professional wrestler similarities. This kid’s got a backup plan at least.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the Bloggers and message boards
have Mathews rated way too high. I think If we draft OL @ 11 and hope to land someone like Mathews in RD2.
Most mock drafters have Matthews going anywhere from 15-25. How is that overrating him? If the mockers are doing so, fine…
LB is the position that most easily slips down boards early on draft day. That’s something to keep in mind, particularly since that’s exactly how the Bills stumbled upon Paul Posluszny in the first place.
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Matthews stock dropping
- A lot of Scouts have said that Matthews stock is dropping because he does not have enough game film on him, not to mention that he didn’t start until 4 games into the season along two very fine linebackers.
- Russ Brande of Scout.com claims Matthews will drop into the 2nd round recently.
- What is with basing a players ability on Combines and Pro Days? It is almost as if people ignore what they do on the field.
- I definitely am not a fan of Clay Matthews, unless we are talking about his father who played at Cleveland.
- That’s not surprising; in fact, it was anticipated. Again, I re-iterate: outside of the sure-fire prospects, linebackers ALWAYS drop on draft day.
- Who is basing his abilities on his workout numbers? It’s not like he didn’t produce when he played…
- Would you be a fan of this Clay Matthews if he was the second player added to the roster in the draft? It’s all about perspective.
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Question....
Do you think Matthews is worthy of the 11th overall pick? I understand you’re making a case for him but you have to contextualize the prospect a little bit. Poz was a better (arguable, but I think it’s reasonable to say) prospect with a ton more experience and production… and our coaching staff did not have him rated in the Top 15. Perhaps, they liked Marshawn Lynch more, but I don’t think they would have taken him there, regardless. Matthews, to me, is not a 1st round talent. There’s too much risk involved with Matthews to take him in the 1st round. If he had played for any other team in college would he be as highly regarded as he is? For the same reason I don’t think Maybin is a 1st round talent. The only thing Maybin has is a quick 1st step and 12 sacks…. there’s just a mountain of other question marks that come with him and make him too risky for the top 32. Why do you think Maybin came out as a sophomore? Maybe he knows his stock is only going down from where it is.
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
If it were up to me, no, I don’t think I’d take Matthews at 11. I’d certainly take Pettigrew before I took Matthews. And I’m pretty sure the Bills will see it the same way.
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by Brian Galliford on Apr 8, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
"A lot of Scouts have said that Matthews stock is dropping because he does not have enough game film on him..."
Games, not workouts, are the first and most important thing that scouts look at when evaluating players. Matthews hasn’t played in a game since January. If there wasn’t enough game film on him when they first looked at him, why would his stock suddenly be dropping now? Scouting doesn’t just start in January and end in April; it’s a year-round profession. Games are the starting point for scouts. If Matthews’ “stock” has done anything since January, it’s gone up based on his workouts.
Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.
I agree.. they do put too much weight into combine numbers.. but you have to respect what clay mathews did in those 10 games..
robert ayers didn’t start until his senior season, so i hope you feel the same way about him then too.
no
one can get made at this pick that is a DE fan out there. While some may clamor for Brown, Maybin, or even Orakpo, Matthews brings speed rushing qualities to a defense. I’m sure he would struggle mightily if he was asked to man up on Antonio Gates in coverage, but Buffalo will simplify his role. We all know the Bills favorite blitzes in the Tampa 2. How many times did we see Poz and Mitchell “CROSS” blitz from their LB position? That’s exactly where the Bills see Matthews being effective. Using Mitchell & Matthews as the primary CROSS blitzers would be more effective, and Mitchell has a great knack for timing blitzes that I think would be make Matthews even better. Having 3 capable, big physical blitzing LB’s would supplement our lack of a pass rush.
I could not complain if Matthews is drafted, especially if he is used in some unique ways to get after the QB in Buffalo’s defensive scheme
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no one can get mad at this pick that is a DE fan out there
I would. A linebacker is not a DE. I don’t care if he is a good blitzer because you have to pull someone out of coverage to blitz. This team needs pressure from it’s front four and not the back 7. 4-3 teams don’t rack up sack numbers with blitzers, they blitz to give everyone a one on one matchup and the good teams take advantage of that by having defensive lineman that get to the QB.
Having to sacrifice coverage for pressure is a backwards way to fix the problem. If you have to constantly blitz, or regularly blitz multiple players to get pressure than the good QBs are still going to eat you alive, especially considering that we would have zero starting LBs who are even average in coverage with Matthews and a pair of pretty mediocre safeties left to cover a lot of ground.
Think about Ron’s work with Edwards’ stats. He is one example of a QB who does better when you blitz him. Any QB that can read defenses well, make quick decisions and get rid of the ball quickly (Like Tom Brady and Chad Pennington for example) are going to rip this defense into tiny little pieces if they blitz more than last year.
I understand your overall point.
Theoretically, with the investment that the Bills have made in defensive backs, they shouldn’t be sacrificing in coverage when they blitz. Good defensive backs can cover one-on-one.
Practically, however…In terms of pass defense, as much as I value cornerbacks, based on the way the game is played today and the rules, etc., I will take a great pass rush over great pass coverage. Given enough time to throw, receivers are going to get open.
Obviously I would prefer a stud 4-3 DE. A linebacker is not a DE, however I will say that I think there are opportunities to be creative with Matthews, for example not just strictly running a traditional 4-3 defense.
Great plays don't make great players; great players make great plays.
The investment that Buffalo has made in DBs hasn’t really led to anything to write home about. As it stands now Buffalo has two very average safeties, a 2nd year corner who hasn’t proven he can shut down anybody, a CB who just got cut a few months ago, and two players (McGee and Youboty) entering the final year of their contract. This isn’t a secondary that I am all that comfortable depending on next year or down the road.
I’m not trying to debate the value of pass rush vs. coverage because I agree that a pass rush is far more important. My problem with drafting Matthews early (especially if it’s at the expense of drafting a DE early) is that I believe he will only marginally improve this team’s pass rush. How much of a factor was Kawika Mitchell as a blitzer? A good blitzing LB doesn’t make the DL any better at getting to the passer than a bad blitzing LB does. It’s nothing against Clay Matthews, I just don’t think he is what this team needs the most.
I agree kaiser.
IF the Bills played a 3-4, then the LB becomes your favorite target for rushing the passer. Matthews will fill some of the void, but to expect him to see a role and numbers like James Harrison is a bit unrealistic.
I like this kid. He’s got that down-and-dirty look about him, and the pedigree is there, for sure. Take a 2nd look at the jump pick he made. His time at safety would certainly benefit a team in a division with so many technical passers.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Apr 8, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
meant
to say “no one can get MAD” not enough coffee yet
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
Mathias Kiwanuka? How does a 240 lbs LB compare to a 6’5" 270 lb DE?
I’m fine with Matthews if he truly is as good as a #11 pick. I haven’t seen a whole lot of film on him, so it’s hard to be sure. If we don’t go DE or OL, Matthews is my pick because of his versatility and ability to rush the passer.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Rivers kept Matthews on the bench last year.....big, fat, hairy deal !
If for some unexplained reason we don’t need to draft a LT with pick #11, then I hope we take Matthews. Of the 3 LBs, he is the best fit for the Bills. Plus, he is a special teamer which makes him a lock to be picked by the Bills.
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If we were running the 3-4, I would pick him in a heartbeat.
I still like him but I have concerns about when he dropped back into coverage. With that being said, I think he could learn the position certainly and start by the bye week if not week 1. Anybody that can start week 1 is worth a first rounder.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
Anybody that can start week 1 is worth a first rounder.
I really disagree with that. I wouldn’t draft a player in the first round unless I was confident they were going to be a big time impact player that changes games.
My thought process is...
if they can start year one they can be very good by year two and great by year three so I think we agree. I’m not saying you should only draft immediate starters, mind you. Just that if they are good enough to start on your team, they can be worth a first round pick because they should develop into a very high caliber player.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 9, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Dont trust it
One thing about Pro Day is everything is mapped out. You know where the cones are and when to cut, you’ve practiced it for days with someone you know in a comfortable environment before everyone arrived so its more theater than actually displaying ones skills. There’s a reason why some players don’t do so well at the combine then explode on their pro day so I don’t get into the hype. When he played in an actual game, I didn’t see all the spins and cuts, I saw one route to the quarterback and if the tackle got a piece of him it was over. The Bills need athletes not blown up players with a feel good story and familiar last name. Last time I checked Clay and Bruce aren’t coming to play with him.
I’d rather choose someone else and then possibly say we could have had him than to pick him and he be a one dimensional dud. We need to quit trying to look like the Big 10 and be more like the SEC
166lbs to that is pretty incredible. He may be a Bill if they trade back with the Vikings, Bucs, or Jets, or if they trade Peters. I still like Cushing or Maualuga in this spot because of their experience. Shouldn’t we be looking at their body of work compared to their “pro days” or how much they can bench. Cushing and Maualuga were incredible in their days at USC.
Either in a Bills uniform would have me happy
Well John did talk with the USC blogger who watched him every game.
John didn’t write this off of the Pro Day Youtube clip.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Apr 9, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
any chance
matthews could play DE on 3rd and longs? if he struggles in coverage and has a great first step, maybe he could slide down to DE in nickel and dime packages. the USC blogger actually said “He is a tough, versatile player that can play either outside LB or DE.” matthews could be the best possible combo for us – plays OLB while acting as an occasional pass rush specialist.
that being said, i originally wanted a DE at #11, but with the possibility of a peters trade and no quality LB signing (pat thomas doesn’t count), i’m think OLB is the biggest need on this team at the moment.
by Donte's Inferno on Apr 8, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions
After looking at his highlights again,
did you guys notice the amount of times he forced a fumble? He is a smart football player — very aware where the football is and knows exactly what he’s doing to try to knock the football out. Definite impact player.
Bills fan half way around the world
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