I saw that article, interesting. Matthews has had 2 very rough practices in Mobile, difficult breaking press coverage. Let's see how Matthews plays on Saturday and his Combine numbers will make things clear. One thing for certain, his intangibles and work ethic are off the charts. I've always thought we would have better options at 18, but he could be a target. I still expect a team in the back end of Rd 1 will draft the Guy. New England is a possibility, I'm not certain they're sold on their 2 young WRs. Matthews won't be available at #49 in Rd 2. I'm hoping Evans falls, if not, Ebron and Lee will be 2 options.
You never know, but I seriously doubt it. All the underclass WRs that declared have pushed Matthew's stock down. I think Matthews will play well in the game and do well in Combine drills, not too sure about his 40, he's not a burner. There are so many more positives to Matthew's game than negatives.
You could always just admit that I won this round instead of saying it without saying it, I'd be fine with that just to let you know.
Gotta be honest... I was REALLY high on Matthews going into the senior bowl. But he really hasn't impressed me in practices. He doesn't get a ton of separation, lacks quickness & he dropped a few balls every day. I love his film from both junior & senior year..and maybe the game/combine will tell a different story..But he looks like an early 2nd rounder to me.
Matthews had a few dropped balls this past year, but a lot of it also had to do with the fact that he was literally Vanderbilt's only offensive weapon. He was essentially THE go to guy. Being quick has never been his game either.
The fight isn't over yet, we have the Senior Bowl, Combine and let's see how he does on a NFL team. It's too early!!!
I really like Matthews, but I don't think he's dynamic enough in this draft to be worth taking in round 1. Too many talented receivers in this draft. To me, he's not on the same tier as the top 3 right now. There are guys out there like Adams, Beckham, Benjamin, Robinson, Cooks, Landry, Richardson, Bryant and Abbrederis that are very good prospects we could get in round 2 or even round 3. If Matthews is there in round 2, sign me up in a heartbeat. If we can trade down in round 1 and get Matthews in late round 1, sign me up. I don't think the player value is enough with our pick to make him worth it. I'd rather wait and take my chances on whoever is there in round 2 than grab Matthews in round 1. Give me Amaro or Ebron, then play value at receiver after that.
Well, you've told yourself the plan is to go down with the ship. Wonder if you'd change your philosophy if you looked over the railing and saw that the name of the boat is TITANIC painted on the side? Odds of Matthews being the BPA and consensus value pick at 18? < .1% (mostly the chances of a terrorist taking out about 15 first rounders.) There's a much higher probability that he's there at 50 (I'll say < 5%.) Still, the latter would be much closer to a win for me than it would to you. If there was a ref in this fight it would be called off right about now, but by all means let's reexamine draft day. In general I agree that there are many options of similar value that will likely be around at 50, I just wonder if 3-5 of the best ones will be taken between 30-50 which might not work out well for us at all. If Matthews, (or any of the other names for that matter) value winds up far enough ahead of the 2nd tier receivers I think trading up the 50th pick becomes very viable to lock up an impact player. Can't think of a worse way to approach this draft than trading down the first pick with 11-12 picks, especially with great options for us in a position of dire need (TE or WR.) The only way it makes any sense at all is to then trade up like 8 picks to wind up with 5 picks by the start of the 3rd round. However, I'm sure that's the last thing that somebody considering trading down is thinking in this spot so it's pretty moot. But to be honest that sounds pretty interesting to me also, of course that would be not one, not two, but three tradeups so cue the shouts of bloody murder.
We may have 11-12 picks, but 4 of them are in the 6-7th round. In my opinion there is a lot of talent to be had in the 2nd & 3rd rounds, so I'd be open to trading back to acquire another pick or two in these rounds. Yes, this would increase our total number of picks, but we could package our 6th & 7th rounders (non-comp picks) to move up a few spots in the 5th to grab a player who falls. There was plenty of later round trading in last years draft.
You act like I'm ready to draft Matthews at #18. I've clearly stated, right now, I'm looking at Evans, Ebron & Lee as front runners at #18. I mentioned that Matthews has the traits and work ethic to be a 1st Rd pick and I project him to be drafted by one of the late Rd one playoff teams. It's still too early to predict where any player is going to be drafted, after the Combine and player visits will make everything much clearer. I truly didn't see any receiver at Senior Bowl practice that was outstanding, except Abbrederis, who I'm a big fan, & Jalen Saunders, but he's undersized.
Both of those guys impressed me too.Is it just me or does Abbrederis have Pats written all over him? I thought Josh Huff looked pretty decent too. He made alot of big plays in college but has a limited catching radius
I follow the Big Ten as close as anyone and Abbrederis can play. I think the Pats are going to add a WR in the 1st 3 Rounds.
Not to go OT but I'm a die hard big 10 guy too.Lifelong Spartans fan. This past season was the best CFB season of my life. Dantonio finally built the green & white back into what they were when I fell in love w/ them as a kid. Big physical bullies.
Their defense was impressive and the offense got on a roll later in the season. The Buckeye's flaws were exposed and they were out coached playing the Spartans
I love the way your team is playing though. Dennard is one of my favorite prospects in this entire draft. I loved the way he played against my Buckeyes. On topic... I think that maybe Matthews is feeling a little pressure at the Senior Bowl, I expect when the game is for real, he is going to shine just like Ansah did last year. I just have that feeling.
