2009 NFL Draft - Clay Matthews Scouting Report
by Clint Clearwater
NFL Draft Analyst


Prospect: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
Ht: 6'3 Wt: 240 40: 4.62

Strengths: Great motor.  Very athletic (played safety in high school).  He has great ball skills and fluid hips in pass coverage.  Rarely takes plays off.  Fast for his size, and very quick.  He has a great first step.  He spends time in the weight room.  Good tackler that will drive defenders back.  Is able to fight through blockers.  Plays with great intensity.  He has good awareness and has a habit of making big plays.  He pursues well.  Has a great football IQ.  He can cover well and rush the passer.  He is a very well rounded prospect.   

Weaknesses: Matthews played on a great defense at USC.  2008 was his only season of starting experience.  He played an elephant position (hybrid defensive end\linebacker) at USC; he may need to transition based on what system he goes into.  This is not a huge concern though.  Minor injury concerns.   

Summary: Clay Matthews III is the son of former NFL player Clay Matthews Jr. who played for the Browns and the Falcons.  He has the rare story of a college walk-on who made it big; or who will make it big come draft day.  Clay Matthews has been rising up draft boards fast.  He can rush the passer and has great cover skills for an OLB.  He is a vicious tackler and a big hitter.  The only thing that worries me is his lack of experience.  Even though he started every game this year, he had a very limited role in 2007.  He also played on a magnificent defense at USC.  Despite all this, Matthews is without a doubt a smart, athletic and physically gifted linebacker, and can cover as well as rush the passer.  I believe he can be immediately implemented into any defensive system in 2009.     

Draft Projection: 1st - early 2nd round


Last updated - 4/21/09


• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 6 rounds
• Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft 
• Mock Draft Database