In the Minority about Matthews Jr

I’ve already completed my second edition mock draft. And just like the first one, I have the Patriots selecting LB Clint Sintim from Virginia. The selection makes complete sense. He played outside, but scouts project him as an inside ‘backer. If he can play both, he has the versatility that head coach Bill Belichick wants. 

But whenever I look around at other mock drafts, there’s a name that frequently appears next to the 23^rd pick: Clay Matthews Jr.

 

For months I’ve seen this player predicted as the Patriots’ first round selection. It’s hard to argue with the logic of these reporters and scouts. Matthews played for USC, arguably the best program in college football at producing pro talent. Not only did Matthews play OLB, but he would line up as a DE, indicating he can rush the passer. Most people compare him to LB Mike Vrabel, a Belichick favorite until Bill traded Mike to Kansas City with QB Matt Cassel for the 34^th pick overall.

 

Based on the viewpoint of these experts, Matthews would be a perfect fit in New England.

 

I’m not so sure.

 

I won’t argue his talent or ability. I think Matthews will become a great pro. I have doubts that Matthews will be a great LB in a 3-4 defense.

 

USC runs a pro-style team on both sides of the ball. And the head coach is Pete Carroll, a man who made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator in the NFL before two head coaching stints, one year with the New York Jets and three seasons with the New England Patriots. If anyone can coach defenders, I fully believe that Carroll can and do it better than many.

 

I also know USC plays a 4-3 defense. The strengths desired for a 4-3 outside linebacker are different for a 3-4 OLB. While versatility for both types is expected, the ability to rush the passer is way more important for a 3-4 OLB than a 4-3 O-‘backer.

 

A 4-3 OLB will spend more time playing coverage in passing situations, whether dropping into zone coverage, or running man-to-man with tight ends and running backs. Sure they can rush the passer when told, but only on called blitzes. Gathering sacks is more the responsibility of the defensive line, or more specifically, the defensive ends.

 

That’s not the case for a 3-4 OLB. On passing downs they pin their ears back and rush like the leash has been let go. In a creative defense they will give various looks to disguise their intentions and drop back when offenses least expect it. But their play is measured in sacks, not tackles.

 

By that standard, I’d much rather Sintim or DE Larry English over Matthews. Matthews finished his career with 5.5 sacks. Sintim (27 career sacks) and English (32.5 career sacks) had more sacks in their senior years than Matthews did in four. They rushed the passer more than Matthews because coaches recognized they excelled at it. Matthews can do it, but I question whether he can do it at a high enough level.

 

Carroll can praise Matthews all he wants. He can tout Clay’s versatility and work ethic. But my gut tells me Matthews isn’t a Vrabel clone.

 

Or maybe Matthews is, and that’s part of the reason I’m hesitant about Clay.

 

For all the compliments Vrabel deserves, over his career he was a competent pass rusher, but not elite. Only once in his career did he finish with more than 10 sacks in a season. Vrabel came close a second time with 9.5 in 2003, but otherwise he never had more than six in a season. No offense, but I want an OLB that will get 10 sacks every year, not average six in 16 games.

 

Matthews does sound like a Belichick-type of player. He has the size (6-3 240) and speed. And his intangibles sound great. He was a very undersized walk-on at USC and made himself into the player he is today. He has impressive bloodlines as the son Clay Matthews, a former 19-year NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons. Heck, Matthews Sr. played three years for Belichick (1991-1993) when they were both in Cleveland. And we know Belichick is loyal to his players.

 

Of course Belichick wouldn’t draft Jr. basked on Sr.’s recommendation. But if he had a high opinion of big daddy Clay, then it isn’t a stretch that he would like the chip from the old block if he measures up to his dad.

 

But the biggest compliment that can be paid to Matthews Jr. is being compared to Mike Vrable. While I respect the comparison, right now I don’t want a Vrabel clone.