Casey Matthews 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Notes

by Jon Dove on Apr 22, 2011 8:00 AM EDT

The 2011 NFL Draft is right around the corner and the staff at Mocking the Draft is working hard to bring you the most in depth information possible. We have spent countless hours reviewing college games in an attempt to produce scouting reports for each of the prospects. However, time is running out so we decided to release some scouting notes in order to cover a wider range of prospects.

After the jump you can check out the notes taken in order to come up with this final analysis. Be sure to check out our full scouting reports HERE. Also give us some feedback on whether or not these notes provide useful information.

Casey Matthews
6'0, 231 pounds | Linebacker | Oregon

Final Word: Matthews is a good looking prospect that will make plays in the NFL. He has really good instincts and the tenacity necessary to contribute. Matthews is always round the football and looking to create a turnover. He possesses enough athletic ability to cover sideline to sideline. His 2nd gear and short area burst allow him to close on the ball carrier. He doesn't have his brothers pass rushing ability but he knows how to create pressure. Matthews is a good blitzer with excellent timing and savvy.

I have some concerns about Matthew's ability to keep clean while he flows to the football. His limited size and strength makes it tough for him to disengage. As he flows to the ball, offensive linemen were able to get a hand on him and impede his progress. He is going to need the help of a big defensive line to keep him clean as he works to the ball. Matthews looks to avoid the offensive line rather than getting his hands out and attacking the line.

Overall, Matthews looks like a mid round prospect with some upside. He could be a fit as a middle linebacker in 3-4 scheme as long as there are defensive lineman capable of keeping him clean and free to flow.

Casey Matthews
6'0, 231 pounds | Linebacker | Oregon

Notes:

Matthews is a better athlete than I originally thought
He has the quickness to cover sideline to sideline but will be outpaced by real speedy backs
His biggest athletic strength is his good 2nd gear and short area burst
That short area burst allows him to close on the ball carrier and click and close in pass coverage
Matthews has the speed necessary to effectively close the back door
He doesn't have the most fluid hips and can be exposed in pass coverage from time to time
Matthews has a nose for the football and can read his offensive line keys
He has a quick flow to the football because of his ability to quickly locate the football
His tenacity is really something has he is always on the move towards the ball carrier
He can find the football and routinely looks to create a turnover
Matthews doesn't possess great size or strength and at times gets swallowed up by offensive linemen
He looks more to avoid blocker rather than take them on and clog the hole
His less than ideal strength makes it tough for him to disengage from offensive linemen
Keeping clean is also an issue for Matthews as there always appears to be someone getting a hand on him
He has great savvy and timing when it comes to blitzing
Matthews has good tackling form and does a nice job exploding through his hips and delivering a pop
He takes some false steps in pass coverage

Tweet Comment 10 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Big Matthews fan, I think he’s going to disappoint some people though wherever he goes because there going to expect they are going to get a player like his brother which he is not. If they don’t expect his brother then they’ll be happy with him

by The Legend on Apr 22, 2011 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

here's the ? everyone is wondering about though

4-3 LB or 3-4 LB?

I'll roll up

by suckmyditka on Apr 22, 2011 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

MLB in a 4-3? I just don’t know how he could hold up in a 3-4.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman

by WhyBillsWhy on Apr 22, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I was thinking maybe a Will LB in a 4-3

from what i saw he’s just not big enough to play in a 3-4 and he just doesn’t play strong enough.

I'll roll up

by suckmyditka on Apr 22, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I would say...

He’s a 43 Will LB and has a chance to be a 34 ILB… As a 43 Will he won’t be asked to take on blockers and can run to the ball. As the weak ILB in a 34 the same situation can give him a chance. Just can’t expect too much from him becuz of his name and bloodlines. GIven time he will develop into a starter, but it will take a couple years. Expect a career path similar to Des Bishop of the Packers. Early struggles, lots of learning and developing his game and eventually becoming a good football player!

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Apr 22, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions