Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Casey Matthews (Oregon) - 2011 NFL Draft Pick #116 by PHI

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Pre-Draft Analysis: Casey Matthews

College: Oregon
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 240 lbs

Overview:

Casey Matthews, a linebacker from the University of Oregon, entered the 2011 NFL Draft following a successful collegiate career. Known for his football intelligence and versatility, Matthews was seen as a player who could contribute on both defense and special teams at the next level.

Strengths:

• Football IQ: Matthews possesses a high level of understanding of the game, allowing him to read plays effectively.
• Instincts: He has a natural ability to diagnose plays, often finding himself in the right position to make tackles.
• Work Ethic: Known for his dedication and strong work ethic, Matthews consistently showed improvement throughout his college career.
• Versatility: He can play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset for defensive schemes.
• Leadership: As a captain at Oregon, he displayed strong leadership qualities on and off the field.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While effective, he lacks elite speed that some NFL teams may prefer in their linebackers.
• Size: At 240 lbs, he may be considered undersized for a traditional inside linebacker role.
• Pass Coverage: There are concerns about his ability to cover faster, more agile tight ends and running backs.

Projected Draft Round:

Matthews was projected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft, with teams valuing his potential contributions on special teams as well as his defensive capabilities.

Conclusion:

Casey Matthews was highly regarded for his intelligence and work ethic, and while he faced some physical limitations, his understanding of the game and ability to lead made him an intriguing prospect heading into the NFL Draft.