Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Clay Matthews (USC) - 2009 NFL Draft Pick #26 by GB

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Clay Matthews (2009 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Clay Matthews III
• Position: Outside Linebacker
• College: University of Southern California (USC)

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 240 lbs
• 40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds

Strengths:

• Exceptional athleticism and speed for his position.
• Strong pass-rushing ability with a quick first step.
• High motor and relentless play style, consistently pursuing the ball.
• Versatile player capable of dropping into coverage as well as rushing the passer.
• Strong football IQ with good instincts, making him effective in reading offenses.

Weaknesses:

• Limited experience as a starter, which raises questions about consistency.
• Needs to improve upon his hand technique to shed blocks more effectively.
• Physicality at the point of attack can be a concern against bigger offensive linemen.

Overall Assessment:

Clay Matthews was viewed as a rising star at the linebacker position due to his impressive performance at USC, especially during his senior year. Analysts praised his combination of speed, agility, and tenacity. While some concerns existed regarding his limited starting experience and technique, his potential was undeniable. Teams were excited about his ability to contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a starting linebacker.

The consensus was that Matthews could be a potential first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his versatility and high ceiling as a pass rusher.