Draft Profile Series: Jordan Matthews
- Updated: April 22, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Jordan Matthews, WR, 6-3, 212, Vanderbilt
Key stats: Had 112 catches in 2013 and totaled 206 receptions and 15 TDs the past two seasons.
Strengths: Polished route runner who uses great technique in gaining an advantage. … Gets on top of cornerbacks before breaking to create instant separation. Very competitive and smooth. … Has very good hands and is among the most productive college receivers in the nation over the past two seasons. … Heads upfield after catch and maximizes yardage gained. … Fights for the ball and wins most 50-50 battles with defensive backs. Could return punts if needed needed due to his great hands.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t possess great straight-line speed. … Has average acceleration. Won’t physically dominate NFL defensive backs. … Not extremely elusive and won’t make too many people miss in open field. … Will have to rely on savvy and competitiveness.
Conclusion: I really like Matthews. The cousin of Jerry Rice is a solid No. 2 receiver coming out of college. He’s one of the guys people spend far too much time talking about what he can’t do instead of what he can bring to a team. He is highly productive and competitive. Matthews just makes plays and really works at his trade. … His ceiling isn’t as high as some of the receivers in this class, but his floor is much higher than most. He has the versatility to help teams as either an outside receiver or in the slot.
NFL comparison: Keenan Allen/Eric Decker.
Draft projection: Rounds 2-3.
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