Clay Matthews LB 6'3 240 USC

Matthews came to USC as a walk on but eventually earned his scholarship. As a freshman in 2005, he was a little used reserve at linebacker but did play on special teams. A year later, Matthews had 15 tackles, 1.5 for loss, one sack and was named co-special teams player of the year for the Trojans. The depth at linebacker for USC kept him in a reserve role as a junior during the 2007 season, but he again earned special teams player of the year, while tallying 17 tackles, three for loss with two forced fumbles and two blocked field goals. Matthews finally got consistent playing time as a senior, starting at end and being a force off the edge. He was named to the All Pac 10 2nd team after finishing with career highs of 51 tackles, nine for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

Strengths

Matthews was a late bloomer but is not a one year wonder. He has the talent to play on Sundays and carries a lot of upside. He has a very solid package of overall tools. He has good size, is as tough as they come, and has excellent bloodlines. He also has surprising speed and uses that speed to be a force as a pass rusher. Up until this year he was just a special teams standout, but he became a playmaker on defense as a senior. He is relentless off the edge and his talent could make him an ideal fit for a 3-4 defense.

Weaknesses

Matthews is very good at making plays in front of him and near the line of scrimmage, but he needs work dropping back and covering. His aggression can cause him to bite and move forward when he needs to drop deeper, and he is a bit stiff when asked to cover a tight end. He also does not have a ton of experience on defense, due mainly to the depth in the program at his position.

Future

Matthews is a guy to keep an eye on. He began his career as a walk on, earned his scholarship, and has now forced his way into the rotation. Matthews is at his best attacking the line of scrimmage, and could be a player that really surprises in the NFL. His combination of skills could make him a real standout as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense, but he can play in a 4-3 as well. His father, uncle, and grandfather have a combined 40+ years of NFL experience, so he was raised a football player and knows what it takes to make it. Matthews has become a legitimate linebacker prospect that has big time pass rush ability, but he should also be able to help out on special teams while he develops his overall skills. Do not be surprised to see him impress in the post season and push his way into the first three rounds.