Clay Matthews Scouting Report

USC's Clay Matthews is one of the early draft risers this year. Once projected as a middle second round prospect, Matthews shot up on many draft boards with an impressive showing in the 2009 Senior Bowl classic. Blessed with a good frame and uncanny speed for it (4.68), Matthews could prove to be the best of the available USC linebackers in this draft.

He fills the holes quickly and can knock lead blockers upright and backward in run action. Because of his speed, the former Trojan moves well through traffic. He has routinely made plays sideline-to-sideline, and consistently keep his outside position on run plays. He is a very aggressive blitzer who lacks pass rushing techniques, but compensates for it with an explosive first step.

He is good at reading the quarterback's eyes and dropping back into coverage quickly. However, his covering technique needs more refinement, but he is good at picking up running backs and tight ends for man-to-man coverage. Matthews has very good closing speed and is very good in pursuit. He is a sound open field tackler. He should shed some pounds. Tending to over-pursue at times, he missed some easy tackles and really should have made more plays in college.

Matthews put himself in first round territory with his impressive showing at Mobile, but he is still a work in progress. He has everything to be a star in the NFL. A sure first rounder, who could move up even more with a great Combine.