NFL.com scouting Report:Overview
A very productive target, the cousin of legendary Jerry Rice is an impressive prospect because of his athleticism, catching radius and determination with the ball in his hands. With a combined 201 receptions the past two seasons, Matthews became the first Commodores wide receiver to earn first team All-SEC honors from the coaches in consecutive seasons and in the process emerged as the clear-cut top senior wide receiver in this draft class.
He was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he sported a good frame with long arms (32 5/8 inches) and big hands, but he dropped a handful of passes throughout the week of practice and failed to consistently gain separation from cornerbacks.
Analysis
STRENGTHS: Chiseled frame that was more impressive than higher-profile names also at the Senior Bowl. Size/speed combination along with his hand/eye coordination and body control makes him an attractive prospect, showing the ability to make plays at all levels of the field and do damage after the catch.
Balanced route-runner with a sizeable catching radius. Size allowed him to be moved inside and out in Vandy's offense, allowing the team to find him favorable matchups. Detailed and reliable route-runner. Very good hand-eye coordination to haul in tough passes, including one-handed catches.
WEAKNESSES: Good, but not great build-up speed and may lack an elite second gear to gain separation. Lean-muscled and needs to do more in contested situations.
Compares To: Earl Bennett, Bears ? Matthews joins Bennett as potentially the best receivers Vanderbilt has produced to the NFL in years. Matthews is two inches taller than Bennett, but share a similar concern about whether he lacks the straight-line speed to consistently beat NFL cornerbacks.
Missouri CB E.J. Gaines called Vanderbilt WR Jordan Matthews the best wide receiver he faced in his career.
This is interesting because Gaines has squared off against some of the best wide receivers in the nation during his career in both the Big 12 and SEC. In 2013, it should be noted, Gaines matched up across from Texas A&M's Mike Evans. "Matthews may be the most underrated in the [wide receiver] group," wrote CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman. "He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB."
Source: CBS Sports
Yea, I've seen a couple people high on him here (one guy had him as his #2)... but for the most part he seems to be pretty UNDERrated by most people, being listed as maybe the 9th or 10th WR in this draft.This should get interesting, as there are a number of fans of Jordan Matthews in the Shark Pool, so we should see some good debate on this one!
lots of work left until we get there, but will definitely be a predraft versionYea, I've seen a couple people high on him here (one guy had him as his #2)... but for the most part he seems to be pretty UNDERrated by most people, being listed as maybe the 9th or 10th WR in this draft.This should get interesting, as there are a number of fans of Jordan Matthews in the Shark Pool, so we should see some good debate on this one!
When are we going to see a Bloom 100 to see where you actually slot him?
I couldn't agree more. He checks all the boxes physically, but when you watch him on tape he gets very little separation. Unless you are watching specifically for separation it's easy to overlook since he makes great catches while being covered. I just don't think that will translate well to the NFL and I get a slightly faster Brandon Gibson feeling about him.
NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
[SIZE=xx-large]•[/SIZE] Speaking of Evans, Missouri CB E.J. Gaines, who lined up against many of the best WRs in the SEC, called Vandy's smooth Jordan Matthews, not Evans, the top wideout he faced in his career. Like Evans, Matthews has terrific size and hands, but Gaines said the difference in college was the Commodore's polished route-running. This draft is stacked with good receivers. I feel like now that Beckham's stock seems to be soaring, Matthews may be the most underrated in the group. He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB.
Josh Reed also dominated the SEC.Plus he dominated the SEC being basically the only weapon on Vandy's team.
So you'd rather take the word of a middle of the pack (likely 4th round) prospect instead of actually watching the guy run poor routes? Gaines probably doesn't even know what a good route is... A screen isn't even a route is it?I stole this from another thread.
Quote
Speaking of Evans, Missouri CB E.J. Gaines, who lined up against many of the best WRs in the SEC, called Vandy's smooth Jordan Matthews, not Evans, the top wideout he faced in his career. Like Evans, Matthews has terrific size and hands, but Gaines said the difference in college was the Commodore's polished route-running. This draft is stacked with good receivers. I feel like now that Beckham's stock seems to be soaring, Matthews may be the most underrated in the group. He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB.
I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
if an opponent singles a player out as being difficult to matchup with that is an attention grabber.So you'd rather take the word of a middle of the pack (likely 4th round) prospect instead of actually watching the guy run poor routes? Gaines probably doesn't even know what a good route is... A screen isn't even a route is it?I stole this from another thread.
Quote
Speaking of Evans, Missouri CB E.J. Gaines, who lined up against many of the best WRs in the SEC, called Vandy's smooth Jordan Matthews, not Evans, the top wideout he faced in his career. Like Evans, Matthews has terrific size and hands, but Gaines said the difference in college was the Commodore's polished route-running. This draft is stacked with good receivers. I feel like now that Beckham's stock seems to be soaring, Matthews may be the most underrated in the group. He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB.
Or they're trying to make themselves feel better for getting burned.MAC_32 said:if an opponent singles a player out as being difficult to matchup with that is an attention grabber.werdnoynek said:So you'd rather take the word of a middle of the pack (likely 4th round) prospect instead of actually watching the guy run poor routes? Gaines probably doesn't even know what a good route is... A screen isn't even a route is it?Milkman said:I stole this from another thread.
Quote
Speaking of Evans, Missouri CB E.J. Gaines, who lined up against many of the best WRs in the SEC, called Vandy's smooth Jordan Matthews, not Evans, the top wideout he faced in his career. Like Evans, Matthews has terrific size and hands, but Gaines said the difference in college was the Commodore's polished route-running. This draft is stacked with good receivers. I feel like now that Beckham's stock seems to be soaring, Matthews may be the most underrated in the group. He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB.
He's not the worst route runner, but I wouldn't call him the best either. He wasn't as quick as Abbrederis, Norwood, Grant, Davis, Herron, or Colter. But he was one of the more physical WRs at Senior Bowl and any lack of sharpness or quickness in his routes is made up by his size.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
Matthews - 6-2 5/8, 212, 4.46 40, 35.5" vertical, 4.18 SS, 6.95 3 coneWhat a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
That's nice that he wanted game tape on sr bowl corners, but that work ethic and coachability didnt help him gain separation against man coverage in college, and it wont get any easier in the pros. If he was running really excellent examples of the routes he did run, with sudden breaks and good footwork to change speeds and disguise the break, then i would be more optimistic about his ability to run the full route tree effectively in the prosI respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
How many screens did Watkins catch?werdnoynek said:So you'd rather take the word of a middle of the pack (likely 4th round) prospect instead of actually watching the guy run poor routes? Gaines probably doesn't even know what a good route is... A screen isn't even a route is it?Milkman said:I stole this from another thread.
Quote
Speaking of Evans, Missouri CB E.J. Gaines, who lined up against many of the best WRs in the SEC, called Vandy's smooth Jordan Matthews, not Evans, the top wideout he faced in his career. Like Evans, Matthews has terrific size and hands, but Gaines said the difference in college was the Commodore's polished route-running. This draft is stacked with good receivers. I feel like now that Beckham's stock seems to be soaring, Matthews may be the most underrated in the group. He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB.
and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
Plenty, maybe even more than Matthews. The point?How many screens did Watkins catch?werdnoynek said:So you'd rather take the word of a middle of the pack (likely 4th round) prospect instead of actually watching the guy run poor routes? Gaines probably doesn't even know what a good route is... A screen isn't even a route is it?Milkman said:I stole this from another thread.
Quote
Speaking of Evans, Missouri CB E.J. Gaines, who lined up against many of the best WRs in the SEC, called Vandy's smooth Jordan Matthews, not Evans, the top wideout he faced in his career. Like Evans, Matthews has terrific size and hands, but Gaines said the difference in college was the Commodore's polished route-running. This draft is stacked with good receivers. I feel like now that Beckham's stock seems to be soaring, Matthews may be the most underrated in the group. He's 6-3, 212, has huge hands and ran in the mid 4.4s. The guy made a ton of plays in the SEC despite being the main focus of rival teams and he was on one of the few teams that didn't have a standout QB.
I agree that it won't get easier in the pros, but FBGs own Matt Waldman spends a whole blog post here about how much Demaryius Thomas improved his route running in the pros. I guess my point is that I would prefer to draft a guy (Matthews) with great athletic skills and superb college production (45%+ of team yards and TDs for 2 years) running poor routes in college (and still dominating) than have an average athlete with average college production running great routes and gaining tons of separation while not scoring or catching many balls.That's nice that he wanted game tape on sr bowl corners, but that work ethic and coachability didnt help him gain separation against man coverage in college, and it wont get any easier in the pros. If he was running really excellent examples of the routes he did run, with sudden breaks and good footwork to change speeds and disguise the break, then i would be more optimistic about his ability to run the full route tree effectively in the prosI respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
Yet they're nothing alike as players. Your infatuation with measurables is right up there with Brewtown.and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
He's got a little AJ in him. He's not as sudden as AJ like you pointed out but neither of them are overly physical and their builds and 40 times are very similar. Matthews is def smarter.........Yet they're nothing alike as players. Your infatuation with measurables is right up there with Brewtown.and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
Amazing.He's got a little AJ in him. He's not as sudden as AJ like you pointed out but neither of them are overly physical and their builds and 40 times are very similar. Matthews is def smarter.........Yet they're nothing alike as players. Your infatuation with measurables is right up there with Brewtown.and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
I wonder if people even watch these guys play. No one I've ever seen has ever looked so ho-hum putting up huge numbers as Jordan Matthews.Yet they're nothing alike as players. Your infatuation with measurables is right up there with Brewtown.and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
Don't forget this part:Matthews - 6-2 5/8, 212, 4.46 40, 35.5" vertical, 4.18 SS, 6.95 3 coneWhat a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
Brian Robiskie - 6-2 7/8, 209, 4.46 40, 37.5" vertical, 4.19 SS, 6.72 3 cone
I can agree with the Eric Decker comp - makes sense. WR2 material.Yes, he does line up in the slot and does a of damage against zone. Who else in the NFL does that? Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston.
He doesn't break that sharp in his routes. Who else does that in the NFL? Marques Colston.
I'm not comparing him to Colston, just saying I don't see it as a significant weakness. He'll make up with it with his size. He's not the best jumpball guy and doesn't always go up and get it, but he's one of the better ones at competing for the catch in tight coverage.
Watch at 0:18: http://youtu.be/LfoPwGsNhco?t=18s
Fights Marcus Roberson, a top 5 CB in this draft, all the way until the ball gets there.
The comparison I'm going with is a faster, more athletic Eric Decker.
Squirrel, meet nut.I love how the goal post keep shifting.
He can't beat man coverage!
Video is produced showing him beating man coverage several times. Once against a 1st rounder for a TD.
He doesn't look good when he beats man coverage.
GJGE
i don't think it is the hardest to evaluate.Admittedly wr is the hardest position in the nfl to project. It would be stupid for anybody to guarantee success. So I def won't do that but he has enough WR1 attributes that make me believe he has a good opportunity of being the best WR in this class.
This is one of the best threads in the Shark Pool right now because both side on this have offered really interesting and thoughtful angles. I was thinking - "For once, nobody is just hurling insults". PLEASE don't offer responses like this.Amazing.He's got a little AJ in him. He's not as sudden as AJ like you pointed out but neither of them are overly physical and their builds and 40 times are very similar. Matthews is def smarter.........Yet they're nothing alike as players. Your infatuation with measurables is right up there with Brewtown.and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
What position is more difficult to project?i don't think it is the hardest to evaluate.Admittedly wr is the hardest position in the nfl to project. It would be stupid for anybody to guarantee success. So I def won't do that but he has enough WR1 attributes that make me believe he has a good opportunity of being the best WR in this class.
The last thing we need is people meta commenting in the thread. Stick to the actual content or don't post.This is one of the best threads in the Shark Pool right now because both side on this have offered really interesting and thoughtful angles. I was thinking - "For once, nobody is just hurling insults". PLEASE don't offer responses like this.Amazing.He's got a little AJ in him. He's not as sudden as AJ like you pointed out but neither of them are overly physical and their builds and 40 times are very similar. Matthews is def smarter.........Yet they're nothing alike as players. Your infatuation with measurables is right up there with Brewtown.and..........AJ Green his 40, height/weight are virtually identical.I respect your thoughts on this, but is it not conceivable that his pro coaches will be able to teach him to correctly run the full route tree? Was it his fault that his college coaches made him run 3 routes? Isn't he a 3.9 GPA (in high school) and graduating Econ major that has been widely praised as one of the most coachable players in this draft coming out? Wasn't he the guy that wanted game tape on opposing corners at the Senior Bowl? Seems to me like one should be able to project that he can improve in these areas of perceived deficiency.Sigmund Bloom said:but he only runs 3 routes on tape with any regularity. and theyre not especially sharp or impressive compared to his peers.Xue said:I don't think "best route runner" = "most diversed route runner", but probably = "runs routes, in general, very well".Sigmund Bloom said:NO. watch the tape. He runs a slant, a post, and hitch and go reasonably well, most of his other plays are screens, or running to a spot against zone coverage. He runs very little of the route tree on tape. This is a myth.Milkman said:He is also one of the best route runners in college football which will help him get open.
What a player cannot improve (much) is height, weight, speed, jumps, and agility. His best comps in that area include Demaryius Thomas, Fitz, Braylon Edwards, Riley Cooper and Josh Gordon
since they are so often not on the screen, defensive backs. For fantasy purposes I want to say tight end, but my performance relative to others says rb. My ability to find wr has allowed me to fix mistakes elsewhere.What position is more difficult to project?i don't think it is the hardest to evaluate.Admittedly wr is the hardest position in the nfl to project. It would be stupid for anybody to guarantee success. So I def won't do that but he has enough WR1 attributes that make me believe he has a good opportunity of being the best WR in this class.
I don't see Matthews as good at competing for the ball at all. He's passive. I can however see the Decker compare, that's why I put Decker's picture on the article. From an FF standpoint, that means, much like Decker, his value is going to be based on his offense/QB more than his talent.Yes, he does line up in the slot and does a of damage against zone. Who else in the NFL does that? Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston.
He doesn't break that sharp in his routes. Who else does that in the NFL? Marques Colston.
I'm not comparing him to Colston, just saying I don't see it as a significant weakness. He'll make up with it with his size. He's not the best jumpball guy and doesn't always go up and get it, but he's one of the better ones at competing for the catch in tight coverage.
Watch at 0:18: http://youtu.be/LfoPwGsNhco?t=18s
Fights Marcus Roberson, a top 5 CB in this draft, all the way until the ball gets there.
The comparison I'm going with is a faster, more athletic Eric Decker.
Pretty much sums it up for me. I see a successful WR in Matthews but to call him or his WR skills potentially elite is wishful thinking. I'm shocked he's even being considered over Watkins or even Evans for that matter. If big straightline guys with very little shiftiness and who will likely struggle with separation are your thing, Evans should be the apple of your eye over Matthews. Much more of a complete WR.I don't see Matthews as good at competing for the ball at all. He's passive. I can however see the Decker compare, that's why I put Decker's picture on the article. From an FF standpoint, that means, much like Decker, his value is going to be based on his offense/QB more than his talent.Yes, he does line up in the slot and does a of damage against zone. Who else in the NFL does that? Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston.
He doesn't break that sharp in his routes. Who else does that in the NFL? Marques Colston.
I'm not comparing him to Colston, just saying I don't see it as a significant weakness. He'll make up with it with his size. He's not the best jumpball guy and doesn't always go up and get it, but he's one of the better ones at competing for the catch in tight coverage.
Watch at 0:18: http://youtu.be/LfoPwGsNhco?t=18s
Fights Marcus Roberson, a top 5 CB in this draft, all the way until the ball gets there.
The comparison I'm going with is a faster, more athletic Eric Decker.