**** OFFICIAL 2010 San Diego Chargers Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Gr00vus]

I highly doubt he reaches to fill the spot.

I feel the same. I'd be sad if he spent another 1st rounder on a WR right now. I probably wouldn't be thrilled with a S or TE in the 1st either.

 

[Gr00vus]

Clary signs tender.

This makes our O line rock solid. Rock solid I say!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

SO why not sign Flozell adams and put Clary on the bench for depth?

 

[Gr00vus]

SO why not sign Flozell adams and put Clary on the bench for depth?

Maybe Flozell is toast? Does he have any residual contract commitments that the Chargers would have to pick up? He's not a long term solution anyway, maybe A.J. is going to use that roster spot for a younger guy they can develop. It seems obvious to me A.J. is really focusing on setting the team up for the next 5 or so years, not just next year.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

SO why not sign Flozell adams and put Clary on the bench for depth?

Maybe Flozell is toast? Does he have any residual contract commitments that the Chargers would have to pick up? He's not a long term solution anyway, maybe A.J. is going to use that roster spot for a younger guy they can develop. It seems obvious to me A.J. is really focusing on setting the team up for the next 5 or so years, not just next year.

Im not sure when Flo was in there he looked good for dallas, I cant believe they are gonna roll with that Free dude at T.Not and AJ type move, but I have to believe he is an upgrade until someone else develops.

 

[Gr00vus]

Philip Rivers being a jerk yet again.

 

[Gr00vus]

Also it's Charger Girl tryout time.

 

[Gr00vus]

Granted you don't really know how tough a schedule is until you're a decent way into the season, but as of now the schedule for the 2010 Chargers doesn't look that tough to me. Outside hosting the Pats and traveling to the Colts I don't see any games the Chargers will be likely underdogs in. They do have their last 2 on the road. The bye in week 10 comes at a good time too.

Mon., Sept. 13 at Kansas City 7:15 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 19 JACKSONVILLE 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 26 at Seattle 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 3 ARIZONA 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 10 at Oakland 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 17 at St. Louis 10 a.m.

Sun., Oct. 24 NEW ENGLAND 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 31 TENNESSEE 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 7 at Houston 10 a.m.

Sun., Nov. 14 BYE

Mon., Nov. 22 DENVER 5:30 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 28 at Indianapolis 5:20 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 5 OAKLAND 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 12 KANSAS CITY 1:15 p.m.

Thur., Dec. 16 SAN FRANCISCO 5:20 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 26 at Cincinnati 5:20 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 2 at Denver 1:15 p.m.

 

[Gr00vus]

Appelwhite signs.

Dobbins signed yesterday.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

Did any of these rookie RB's visit SD?

McKnight

Starks

Dwyer

I can't find anything about any visits. AJ shocks people with his picks ie. Larry English drafted last year in the 1st rd when SD didn't show any interest in him at all. I think one of those 3 RB's might be the starting RB in 2010 - just a guess

RB's that visited SD:

Tate

Dixon

Miller

Matthews

Best

Karim

Gerhart

Hardesty

Scott

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Granted you don't really know how tough a schedule is until you're a decent way into the season, but as of now the schedule for the 2010 Chargers doesn't look that tough to me. Outside hosting the Pats and traveling to the Colts I don't see any games the Chargers will be likely underdogs in. They do have their last 2 on the road. The bye in week 10 comes at a good time too.

Mon., Sept. 13 at Kansas City 7:15 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 19 JACKSONVILLE 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 26 at Seattle 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 3 ARIZONA 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 10 at Oakland 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 17 at St. Louis 10 a.m.

Sun., Oct. 24 NEW ENGLAND 1:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 31 TENNESSEE 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 7 at Houston 10 a.m.

Sun., Nov. 14 BYE

Mon., Nov. 22 DENVER 5:30 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 28 at Indianapolis 5:20 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 5 OAKLAND 1:05 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 12 KANSAS CITY 1:15 p.m.

Thur., Dec. 16 SAN FRANCISCO 5:20 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 26 at Cincinnati 5:20 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 2 at Denver 1:15 p.m.

should be 5n1 heading into that pats game.

then those next 5 are tough.

probablya 12n4 or 11n5 season with another division title

They better make a playoff run this year. lets go!!!

 

[Gr00vus]

Well folks, care to give your best guess as to who A.J. gets in the 1st?

I'm hoping for Brian Price.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Well folks, care to give your best guess as to who A.J. gets in the 1st?I'm hoping for Brian Price.

Toby Gerhart with either the 28th or 40th pick. Guessing ILB or S with the other, not DT like everyone else.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Well folks, care to give your best guess as to who A.J. gets in the 1st?I'm hoping for Brian Price.

Toby Gerhart with either the 28th or 40th pick. Guessing ILB or S with the other, not DT like everyone else.

I'm thinking along the same lines as you.Gerhart at #40 seems like as good a possibility as any.My dream-come-true would be Maurkice Pouncey at #28, but I don't think he'll be there. (I don't think Hardwick will ever regain his 2006 form; Mruczkowski outperformed him last season.)Aside from RB, I think S and LB are biggest positions of need. I thought the ILBs played well as a group last year (and Siler should start over Cooper, IMO), but it's a need because I think they're all slated to be free agents after 2010. More help at OLB would be welcome as well since Merriman may not be around after this year.If they can get a dominant DT, that'd be cool, but they don't need simply more bodies there. They've got lots of bodies along the DL already; they don't need any more depth; they need a superstar. If they can't get one, they can make due with what they've already got.

 

[Chargers86]

I am hoping Ryan Matthews falls and we're able to grab him. If not I'll take Brian Price.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

First pick - DT - Terrance Cody/Odrick or Price

40th overall - RB - Ben tate or Hardesty or Best.

Would love mathews but I think he goes in the early 20's

 

[Gr00vus]

I'd be happy with Gerhardt with the 2nd round pick, although I'd rather see BPA there (maybe that's Gerhardt, maybe not), and gamble on finding a decent RB in round 3. Seems like there'll be some worthwhile backs that slip to that round.

 

[BoltBacker]

Aside from RB, I think S and LB are biggest positions of need.

It's interesting you say that because I've seen several mocks where McClain(Alabama) and Thomas(Texas) make a slide. This is said to be one of those drafts where everyone is looking to move down even more so than usual. I would think this might be a year where it wouldn't cost too much to move up. One of those two guys might be worth the move if they do slide. In my opinion AJ hasn't done the team any favors in the offseason though because we dealt a starting CB, cut the starting NT and didn't sign any vet RB's to even compete for a RBBC(yet anyway) to replace the starting RB they released. It's kind of difficult to package picks now that you have so many glaring needs.

 

[BoltBacker]

My hope would be

1st

OT(Cambell/Brown/Safford)

or

DT(Odrick/Price/Cody/Owens/Smith)

2nd

CB(Jackson/Wilson/McCourty/Murphy)

or

DT

3rd

RB(Dwyer/Hardesty/Dixon/Blount/Scott/Tate/etc/etc) btw I still say the leading rusher may not be on the roster until AUG via WW or trade for a late pick

or

LB

4th+

BPA

 

[tommyGunZ]

With all of the late talk of teams wanting to move up to the end of the 1st round to grab one of the 2nd tier QBs, I wouldn't be pissed if AJ moved the #28 pick as long as we get an early 2nd in return along with an additional 3rd this year or 2nd next year. That's assuming Matthews or a highly rated CB aren't on the board.

 

[Gr00vus]

With all of the late talk of teams wanting to move up to the end of the 1st round to grab one of the 2nd tier QBs, I wouldn't be pissed if AJ moved the #28 pick as long as we get an early 2nd in return along with an additional 3rd this year or 2nd next year. That's assuming Matthews or a highly rated CB aren't on the board.

You never want to limit your options, but it'd be very dependent on what players are still available.What team at the beginning of the 2nd do you think would feel the need to do that?

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

With all of the late talk of teams wanting to move up to the end of the 1st round to grab one of the 2nd tier QBs, I wouldn't be pissed if AJ moved the #28 pick as long as we get an early 2nd in return along with an additional 3rd this year or 2nd next year. That's assuming Matthews or a highly rated CB aren't on the board.

Im with you tommy, Im all for trading our First Rd pick for a second rd and second next year or whatever the chart says. Like MT said above, we need a superstar on the DL, it is doubtful Suh will fall to our pick. We can get ILB, S, RB help in rds2 and lower.

 

[cstu]

So...does this mean Sproles is gone next year?

 

[Gr00vus]

The Chargers kinda break the bank to draft Ryan Matthews.

So according to ESPN's team pick list the Chargers gave their 1st and 2nd and swapped 4ths with the Dolphins - the Chargers moving up to 110 and the Dolphins moving down to 126 in the 4th, and the Chargers get a 6th round pick from the Dolphins that they had gotten from KC.

The Chargers also gave Tim Dobbins to the Dolphins in the deal.

Here's hoping Matthews does 1/3 as well as the last RB they drafted in the 1st round - and that Matthews brings someone to block for him.

I don't feel so good - I'm going to go watch the Lakers get spanked by the Thunder now. Then drinking.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

The Chargers kinda break the bank to draft Ryan Matthews.

So according to ESPN's team pick list the Chargers gave their 1st and 2nd and swapped 4ths with the Dolphins - the Chargers moving up to 110 and the Dolphins moving down to 126 in the 4th, and the Chargers get a 6th round pick from the Dolphins that they had gotten from KC.

The Chargers also gave Tim Dobbins to the Dolphins in the deal.

Here's hoping Matthews does 1/3 as well as the last RB they drafted in the 1st round - and that Matthews brings someone to block for him.

I don't feel so good - I'm going to go watch the Lakers get spanked by the Thunder now. Then drinking.

meh, too many people freaking out on the Charger board about the trade. They gave up their 2nd rd pick and Dobbins. Thats it really. They swapped 1sts with the Dolphins, They got a 6th and better 4th rd in the trade. If AJ thinks Mathews is the man and is worth the extra second rdr so be it.

 

[Polar Dude]

I'm a little shocked. I really didn't think RB was such a priority. I had no problems with the idea of them drafting Mathews, I just didn't think it would happen. I'm not a fan of giving up two picks in the top 40 to get him though. I heard one of his best strengths is his ability to break tackles. I guess he's going to get the chance to prove it.

It'll be interesting to see who's still available at picks 28 and 40.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

According to "the chart," the Chargers gained 1857 points while giving up 1697 points plus Dobbins. It's an even deal if Dobbins is worth a fourth-rounder.

(Not that I put much stock into "the chart.")

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Broncos and Raiders are helping the chargers stay atop the division for years to come

 

[Polar Dude]

Chargers could have had a lightning-fast cover corner at 28. I have a hunch Cody will still be there at 40. Personally, I'd take those two over any RB in this draft if I was AJ.

 

[Tau837]

So...does this mean Sproles is gone next year?

He should be IMO, unless he is willing to sign a deal on terms very favorable to the team. As I posted earlier in the thread, his performance in 2009 was somewhat disappointing, and he really wasn't worth the franchise tag.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

How has the big DT from Canada who was talented but raw that they drafted last year developed? Do they expect much from him this year now that will have to possibly get NT in 3rd rd unless they trade back into the 2nd

 

[DanFouts]

I was mixed at first with the Matthews pick...but its growing on me. A 3 down back who can run inside, block, and catch out of the backfield....when can I get my Matthews jersey??!!

 

[Boltz Boy]

My initial reaction after the pick was I really wanted Williams there, but after mulling it over some more, I think it's a pretty good pick. If the team sees the chance of Matthews being a special player, then I wholeheartedly support jumping up and grabbing him. Players at 28 and 40 would be solid, but you rarely luck into a top talent that late.

One other thing when evaluating the trade is to think back a few weeks and consider this scenario:

Would I be happy trading the 28th pick, the 60th pick, Whitehurst, and Dobbins to get Matthews, move up in the 4th, and a 6th? The answer there is absolutely. My fear going into the draft was that the team would pick someone up who would be a "serviceable" back, and I suddenly had bad Leonard Russell flashbacks. I'd rather take a shot like this with a player that might be a difference maker. It might not work, but I feel it's worth the gamble. I also like the thought of Matthews here much better than the prospect of trading for Marshawn Lynch.

That being said, I am concerned that there will not be a stud NT in the middle of the 3-4, and just hope the rotating cast of thousands can work for another year. That, and that the pass rush finally starts to show up. It appears that the division is actually getting worse, so hopefully there's time to figure things out before crunch time.

 

[craxie]

How has the big DT from Canada who was talented but raw that they drafted last year developed? Do they expect much from him this year now that will have to possibly get NT in 3rd rd unless they trade back into the 2nd

Vaughn Martin showed squat last year, being handled with easy by any 2-bit (or even 1-bit) player. Not sure what to expect this yearAs far as 'having' to get a NT, you obviously don't know AJHe's convinced that Clary is a legit starting RT and that last year's NT by committee was wonderfulExpect a blocking TE (Manumaleuna), a QB (Whitehurst), an ILB (Dobbins) and a CB (Cromartie)

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Woooooooooooooo!!!

I love it.

Now they need to snagg DT or two.

 

[Tau837]

One other thing when evaluating the trade is to think back a few weeks and consider this scenario:

Would I be happy trading the 28th pick, the 60th pick, Whitehurst, and Dobbins to get Matthews, move up in the 4th, and a 6th? The answer there is absolutely. My fear going into the draft was that the team would pick someone up who would be a "serviceable" back, and I suddenly had bad Leonard Russell flashbacks. I'd rather take a shot like this with a player that might be a difference maker. It might not work, but I feel it's worth the gamble. I also like the thought of Matthews here much better than the prospect of trading for Marshawn Lynch.

This.

 

[H.K.]

If the team keeps Sproles and drafts a rookie RB, I don't see any reason why the carries couldn't break down like this:Rookie RB 200Sproles 100Tolbert 30Hester 25Others (Bennett included, if they keep him) 30That breakdown holds the number of rushing attempts steady from last season. But it's just a strawman anyway. If the rushing attempts go up, adjust accordingly. The point is, there is no need to assume a rookie RB must run the ball 275+ times.

Do you still feel the same way? Or do you expect Matthews to change this distribution now?

 

[BoltzNBrew]

I like the trade too. I think 12 might have been slightly too high for him but AJ got his guy and didn't over pay in terms of pick value. Would like to see SD package up some of those later picks and move up today.

 

[Tau837]

If the team keeps Sproles and drafts a rookie RB, I don't see any reason why the carries couldn't break down like this:Rookie RB 200Sproles 100Tolbert 30Hester 25Others (Bennett included, if they keep him) 30That breakdown holds the number of rushing attempts steady from last season. But it's just a strawman anyway. If the rushing attempts go up, adjust accordingly. The point is, there is no need to assume a rookie RB must run the ball 275+ times.

Do you still feel the same way? Or do you expect Matthews to change this distribution now?

I posted that to show that a rookie RB wouldn't need to carry the ball 275 times, in response to another post... I just showed a breakdown that maintained the same number of carries from last year. Without giving it much thought, I think this is probably a more realistic breakdown:Matthews 240Sproles 90Tolbert 30Hester 25Others 15

 

[Gr00vus]

That being said, I am concerned that there will not be a stud NT in the middle of the 3-4, and just hope the rotating cast of thousands can work for another year. That, and that the pass rush finally starts to show up.

I think with the Dobbins trade the writing is even more on the wall than I already thought it was - I expect to see many more defensive snaps run from the 4-3. They aren't going to find the kind of NT needed to run an effective 3-4 full time, and besides that the 4-3 is Rivera's thing anyway.

 

[ChargersOH]

I like the trade too. I think 12 might have been slightly too high for him but AJ got his guy and didn't over pay in terms of pick value. Would like to see SD package up some of those later picks and move up today.

I have to disagree. There are a lot of RB' I'd take in the second or third, and there are a bunch of other players I'd rather have, personally.AJ did get his guy, and I respect that we draft so smartly. I'm just not really happy with nabbing a RB at #12. Especially a guy who is injury prone.

 

[H.K.]

I posted that to show that a rookie RB wouldn't need to carry the ball 275 times, in response to another post... I just showed a breakdown that maintained the same number of carries from last year. Without giving it much thought, I think this is probably a more realistic breakdown:Matthews 240Sproles 90Tolbert 30Hester 25Others 15

Cool. Thanks.

 

[cstu]

If the team keeps Sproles and drafts a rookie RB, I don't see any reason why the carries couldn't break down like this:Rookie RB 200Sproles 100Tolbert 30Hester 25Others (Bennett included, if they keep him) 30That breakdown holds the number of rushing attempts steady from last season. But it's just a strawman anyway. If the rushing attempts go up, adjust accordingly. The point is, there is no need to assume a rookie RB must run the ball 275+ times.

Do you still feel the same way? Or do you expect Matthews to change this distribution now?

I posted that to show that a rookie RB wouldn't need to carry the ball 275 times, in response to another post... I just showed a breakdown that maintained the same number of carries from last year. Without giving it much thought, I think this is probably a more realistic breakdown:Matthews 240Sproles 90Tolbert 30Hester 25Others 15

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mathews get 300 carries and Sproles closer to 60.

 

[joeski]

Woooooooooooooo!!!I love it.Now they need to snagg DT or two.

Bolts are hungry and it looks like they may get a meal out of the deal.

 

[Tau837]

If the team keeps Sproles and drafts a rookie RB, I don't see any reason why the carries couldn't break down like this:Rookie RB 200Sproles 100Tolbert 30Hester 25Others (Bennett included, if they keep him) 30That breakdown holds the number of rushing attempts steady from last season. But it's just a strawman anyway. If the rushing attempts go up, adjust accordingly. The point is, there is no need to assume a rookie RB must run the ball 275+ times.

Do you still feel the same way? Or do you expect Matthews to change this distribution now?

I posted that to show that a rookie RB wouldn't need to carry the ball 275 times, in response to another post... I just showed a breakdown that maintained the same number of carries from last year. Without giving it much thought, I think this is probably a more realistic breakdown:Matthews 240Sproles 90Tolbert 30Hester 25Others 15

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mathews get 300 carries and Sproles closer to 60.

Stranger things have happened... but I think it's hard to count on more than 15 carries per game from a rookie, especially behind a below average offensive line and in a pass first offense. Getting 300 carries would be challenging unless he is a 3 down RB, but they have a franchise tagged RB for third down... and it's not like Sproles won't play any on first and second downs.I'm certainly open to other opinions on this, though. I haven't put a lot of thought into it.

 

[Chargers86]

People are ripping AJ apart for this pick on 1090AM.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

People are ripping AJ apart for this pick on 1090AM.

Annual tradition.The year he picked Antonio Cromartie and Marcus McNeil one and two, a lot of people wanted him immediately fired.

 

[Gr00vus]

People are ripping AJ apart for this pick on 1090AM.

Annual tradition.The year he picked Antonio Cromartie and Marcus McNeil one and two, a lot of people wanted him immediately fired.

If only someone had warned us not to overreact.But seriously, I think this one is going to be a milestone draft for A.J. If he doesn't end up with some true impact players out of it I'd have to start seriously questioning his adequacy as a G.M. The team can't afford a sub par draft this year.

 

[Polar Dude]

From CBS.com

Ryan MatthewsOVERVIEWIt's a shame that East Coast football fans don't get to see much of Western Athletic Conference games on Saturdays. Perhaps due to the late starts or just an overload of games in their area, most haven't seen the player many in the scouting industry call the best-kept secret in the 2010 NFL Draft.While speedy runners C.J. Spiller (Clemson) and Jahvid Best (California) are game-breaking runners, neither feature the power and tackle-breaking ability that Mathews brings with his "game." With 17 carries that gained at least 20 yards in 2009, the Fresno State tailback certainly has big-play ability. Combine that with his 39 positive runs inside the end zone on 41 chances, it is evident that he can also break tackles with the best of them.Mathews is a classic downhill runner who used his explosive power and burst to put his name in the record books alongside fellow Western Athletic Conference standouts such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk. The Bulldogs tailback has that great ability to make one cut and burst through the hole for consistent positive gains. He has exceptional balance and undoubtedly one of the strongest stiff arms at the collegiate level, and when put together, it makes for one tough runner.In 2009, Mathews rushed for 1,808 yards, despite missing a game and a half due to injuries, as he ranked fourth in the WAC season-record books behind only Tomlinson of Texas Christian (2,158 in 2000, 1,850 in 1999) and George Jones of San Diego State (1,842 in 1995). He exceeded performances by such conference greats as Ryan Moats of Louisiana Tech (fifth with 1,774 yards in 2004), Ian Johnson of Boise State (seventh with 1,714 yards in 2006), and Marshall Faulk of San Diego State (eighth with 1,630 yards in 1992).Mathews is at his best running between the tackles, where he has the ability to make defenders miss in the hole and the balance to stay on his feet and gain extra yardage. He can cut back, run through arm tackles, and is extremely hard to bring down in space. Once he gets to the second level, he uses his powerful stiff arm to shove would-be tacklers to the ground, and has surprising speed to take the ball the distance. His ability is shown in his numbers, as he had eight rushes of 50 yards or more in 2009.Mathews has burned some of the nation's best rushing defenses. He ran for 107 yards on 19 carries and averaged 5.6 yards per carry vs. the Wisconsin Badgers, who boasted the nation's fifth-best rushing defense at season's end allowing just 88.23 yards per game and 2.89 yards per carry.And against the Boise State Broncos, the nation's 28th-ranked rushing defense, Mathews ran for 234 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, averaging 12.3 yards per carry. At season's end, Boise State allowed 120.36 yards per game and 3.83 yards per carry. Without Mathews' performance, the Broncos would've ranked 23rd nationally, allowing just 111.62 yards per game and 3.44 yards per carry.Mathews prepped at West High School, where as a senior, he led the nation in rushing while playing quarterback in a shotgun formation. He racked up Central Section records with 3,396 yards and 44 touchdowns on the ground to lead the state in scoring, while averaging 9.79 yards per carry.Although he was mainly a rushing threat, he also hit on 37-of-78 passes for 851 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He ran for over 300 yards in five contests, including a season-high 415 yards vs. South High and had 374 yards rushing twice, vs. Ridgeview and Centennial. He also averaged 41.2 yards on his eight kickoff returns.The second-team All-American and a first-team All-State selection, Mathews led his team to the CIF championship in 2005. He was rated a two-star running back prospect by Scout.com and received three stars from Rivals.com, a recruiting service that placed him 69th overall among high school seniors. As a junior, he rushed for 1,104 yards and 18 touchdowns, as he also played linebacker for West High.Mathews wasn't as highly recruited by the country's more prestigious programs for someone with such an outstanding resume, receiving offers from Fresno State, Arizona State, Colorado State, Nevada, and San Diego State. He chose to sign with Fresno State, saying he had "always been a Bulldog."Mathews enrolled at Fresno State in 2007 and immediately garnered playing time. He spilt carries with Lonyae Miller and Clifton Smith, as the trio was expected to fill the shoes of Dwayne Wright who had departed early for the NFL draft at the conclusion of the previous season. Before he ever stepped on to the football field, he was assigned jersey #21, previously worn by FSU legend Dale Messer. When Messer met Mathews in preseason camp, he granted the rookie permission to wear the number, sensing great things were about to happen for the FSU program.Sure enough, Mathews emerged as the best of the group, leading the team with 145 carries for 866 yards (6.0 ypc) and 14 touchdowns. His touchdown total tied for the lead in college football among all freshman running backs. The freshman would miss the 2007 Humanitarian Bowl due to a torn muscle near his collarbone. Before being sidelined, he boosted an already potent rushing attack that ranked 16th nationally in 2006 (180.0 yards per game), to 14th nationally in 2007 (210.92 yards per game).As a sophomore, Mathews went down with knee and foot injuries, missing five full games and playing sparingly in three others in 2008. The offense suffered as Fresno State fell to 32nd nationally (182.31 yards per game) in rushing. He finished his second Bulldogs campaign with 606 yards and six touchdowns on 113 attempts (5.36 yards per carry).His best performance came in the first week of the season vs. Rutgers, when he carried 26 times for 163 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns, and earned WAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.With a healthy Mathews back in 2009, the rushing offense rose all the way to eighth nationally (228.92 yards per game) as the junior tailback led all of college football in yards per game with an average of 150.67. He earned All-American second-team and All-Western Athletic Conference first-team honors, as he racked up a school-record 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns on 276 carries (6.55 yards per carry).Matthews suffered a concussion in the first half of the team's tenth game of the season vs. Nevada, and missed the following game vs. Louisiana Tech, but despite playing one and a half fewer games, his rushing yardage total was just 63 yards shy of the national lead held by Toby Gerhart of Stanford. Mathews' best performance of the season came vs. Boise State when he carried 19 times for 234 yards (12.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns to earn WAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.After the season, Mathews announced that he was forgoing his senior season and applied for entry into the 2010 NFL Draft. "Coach Hill said, 'I think you need to go. You've done what you needed to do here,'" said Mathews. "I trust his decision, so I'm going to go with it. I think it's my time to go to the next level, see what I can do there. It's a good thing."Mathews said he had been leaning toward staying at Fresno State -- attracted by the idea of remaining near friends, playing before a fan base that adores him and completing his degree. But, as he said he would during the season, Mathews followed Hill's advice.ANALYSISInside: Decisive and tough interior runner. Good size and strength to get through the line of scrimmage and the acceleration to break into the secondary. Good balance to take a hit and keep his feet. Runs with good pad level inside and can drag tacklers for extra yardage. Runs with good forward lean to get the tough yards. Good timing and leaping ability for short-yardage touchdowns.Outside: Good, not great speed to attack the defense at the flanks. Can turn the corner and is quickly moving downhill. Good lateral agility to elude in open space. Good power to run through smaller defenders' arm tackles. Better football speed than track speed. Can pull away in the open field.Breaking tackles: One of his better attributes. Stronger runner than his weight would indicate. Runs with good pad level in traffic and with good forward lean. Good lower leg drive to push the pile. Best attribute in this area is his determination, as he keeps his legs churning and has an effective spin and stiff-arm to fight through arm tackles for additional yardage. Determined runner.Blocking: Good effort, technique and strength as a pass blocker. Squares to the defender and supplies a good initial pop. Can absorb the bull rush due to his leverage and strength. Good effort, but only marginal effectiveness as a cut blocker. Good initial pop as a downfield blocker. Has to show more consistency in maintaining his block, as he too often moves on after supplying the initial hit, but doesn't truly lock up the defender. Has improved throughout his career. Looks to hit someone downfield when others' have the ball.Receiving: Natural hands-catcher. Good body control to twist, make the reception and quickly head upfield. Appears to have the hand-eye coordination to track the ball over his shoulder for wheel routes. Rarely asked to run more complicated routes than simple swings and screens. Good agility, straight-line speed and suddenness to excel in this area.Intangibles: High effort player who has proven the work ethic to recover from injuries. Was in danger of not making the academic qualifications to play as a freshman, but earned a high enough score on his ACT and has maintained his grades since. No known off-field concerns. Humble. Asked for permission from former Fresno All-American Dale Messer to wear his retired No. 21. Was granted permission from the 70-year old Messer after a face-to-face meeting. Has struggled with durability throughout his career.

 

[Polar Dude]

From CBS.com

Donald BulterOVERVIEWButler didn't begin to make a name for himself on a national level until his senior campaign.Moved back to inside linebacker under new head coach Steve Sarkisian and former USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt -- Butler split time inside and outside as a junior -- he enjoyed a breakout season in 2009, finishing third in the Pac-10 in total tackles (94) and second in tackles for loss (15.5) on his way to earning second-team all-conference honors.Though not initially among those invited to the Combine, Butler's strong showing during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl forced scouts to make him one of 19 seniors added late.Butler is aggressive in taking on blocks, but has to pick a side of the oncoming offensive lineman and slide off, rather than facing him fully. His narrow build might make it difficult for him to add the size and strength necessary to handle the bigger, stronger guards in the NFL. His relentlessness and good open-field tackling skills will help him rack up tackles, but too many may come yards downfield. Considering his frame and relative comfort in coverage, some teams will view Butler as an outside linebacker prospect.ANALYSISRead & React: Leans forward pre-snap, almost falling forward in anticipation of the run on early downs. Takes a tentative step forward at the snap and explodes out of his stance toward the line of scrimmage. At his best defending the stretch play, as he has the burst to break through the line when he sees a gap to make the tackle for loss. A bit over-aggressive stretching plays out wide. Can get ahead of himself and leave cut-back angles for the quick back to exploit. His false-step toward the line leaves him vulnerable to quick passes, but he's athletic enough to re-direct quickly.Run defense: Reacts aggressively to the run. Quick to the hole and has the burst upfield to take advantage of gaps and close for impressive tackles for loss on outside runs. Takes on the fullback with a violent pop and uses strong hands to disengage quickly on the isolation. Isn't as effective against offensive linemen, as he has to pick a side as they arrive. Athletic enough to slip off as the back comes by to latch on for the drag-down tackle, but is too often engulfed by the blocker when the runner correctly reads the direction of the block. Good speed to the sideline. Is too fast, at times, coming in a bit out of control and leaving cutback lanes. Strong pursuit laterally and downfield. A reliable open-field tackler.Pass defense: Takes a false step at the snap, but has good balance and quick feet to change directions and recover for quick passes. Good route-recognition and overall athleticism for an inside linebacker. Focuses on his assignment, rather than the quarterback and is athletic enough to react and maintain good coverage. Often forced the quarterback to look elsewhere due to his sticky coverage. Has a burst to close when the ball is thrown.Tackling: Not an explosive hitter, but is a generally an efficient wrap-up tackler that plays with good balance in the open field to make the secure stop. Can be a bit out of control when he crashes the line at full speed and is forced to lunge at the ballcarrier. Good strength for the grab on and drag-down tackle as he's fighting off blocks. Good hustle in pursuit.Pass Rush/Blitz: Shows good straight-line speed to close when he has an open lane. Good lateral agility and balance to avoid blocks. Dips his shoulder to get under the reach of the guard. Attacks the running back with a full head of steam and has enough strength and use of leverage to drive him into the pocket as a bull-rusher, but his overall lack of size and strength is exposed when taking on linemen, who typically are able to simply absorb his initial hit and engulf him. Doesn't show much in terms of pass rush technique. Good effort.Intangibles: Voted a team captain in 2009. Earned Most Improved Defender honors in 2008 while switching between inside and outside linebacker due to injuries to teammates. Has a knack for making big plays in big games. Named national defensive player of the week by Walter Camp Foundation the Huskies' 16-13 win over No. 3 USC, when he had 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception. Posted six tackles, a TFL and a sack against Cal; 3 tackles, including a TFL and an interception in the overtime loss to Notre Dame.