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.
Casey Matthews 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Notes
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
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