Clay Matthews

[HarveyWallbangers]

Wait a minute, now I'm the one who sounds like Floyd the Barber.

You are old for using this simile and I am old for getting the reference.

Fritz and Ras, are you with us? I know KYP and Shadow are in on the joke.

Sure, Andy.

[falco]

takes a lot of guts to get your hair cut by a guy paralyzed on one side

[KYPack]

takes a lot of guts to get your hair cut by a guy paralyzed on one side

The shows where he is standing up are before his stroke. After his stroke, they always show him sitting in the chair. I always wondered why the barber was sitting in the chair all the time.

And oh yeah, I'm old enuff to remember this show.

Hell, it was on PBS in Oshkosh!

[falco]

And oh yeah, I'm old enuff to remember this show.

Hey, I'm old enough to remember Matlock and Three's Company. That should count for something.

[bobblehead]

I'm a day late and I only read page one, so forgive me if its been mentioned. BUT, I read that Mathews was also a phenomenal ST player. In TT's world that is always a bonus.

I also think we gave up a lot to move up, but this kid does seem like he does everything very well. Those kinds of players often get underrated, but not by TT. For those that complain about the TT way, you should love this new imposter....for my taste I would have rather stayed put and trusted him to draft a player.

[Badgerinmaine]

And oh yeah, I'm old enuff to remember this show.

Hell, it was on PBS in Oshkosh!

It was on in reruns for YEARS. And it's still got enough cultural resonance that one of the most watched videos of last campaign season was Ron Howard going back into his old Opie character to endorse Barack Obama with Andy Griffith (and as Richie Cunningham with Henry Winkler).

[HarveyWallbangers]

I went back and looked at the combine video of the LBs (Curry, Cushing, Rey M.) and DEs that were converting to 3-4 LB (Brown, Maybin, Orakpo, etc.), and I'll tell you what. Matthews really stood out. He looked like the best and smoothest athlete of the bunch.

You can find the links on packers.com under NFL.com combine videos ("Top Standouts"):

http://www.packers.com/draft/2009/

[SudsMcBucky]

Why add 15 more players from the draft when we don't have space for more than probably 5-6 guys to make the final roster?

Man, I made this same argument last year. I like the move, even if it doesn't end up panning out. At least he's going after players that can make the roster and improve the team, in his mind. There are times to trade back and stockpile picks, and there are times where you finally start making your move and work up.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Looking at his combine workout, Matthews actually reminds me of Chad Greenway. They both looked like good athletes, very fluid. You can see they'll be solid NFL players, but both appear to be a little thin and need to put on weight. You can see that they both could start as rookies, but there best football will be in 1-2 years when they've put on 10 pounds or so. Where's Waldo? I wonder what the workout numbers for Greenway and Matthews (and Hawk) were. Would be interest to see how comparable they are.

[Iron Mike]

Hell, I was on PBR in Oshkosh!

Oh, we always went to Tommy's on Irving and Main, 'cuz they had Michelob on tap.

Then we'd go to Marvin Gardens across the street. :P

[Iron Mike]

BTW for those OOT, here's the local news coverage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y29PjaaY18

[RashanGary]

I thought this was a really good question. Judging by the answer, it sounds to me like this guy is, first and foremost, gifted at getting after the passer and defending the run at the point of attack. On top of that, he can play in space. He sounds like a complete 3-4 OLB, a guy that can really open up this system for Capers.


(Are you sure he is not just a workout guy, and what convinced you of that?)

The way he plays. He plays the game remarkable. He's got some interesting traits that are not unlike his father, the Clay who played for Cleveland for a long, long time. He's got the ability to extend his hands and leverage against offensive linemen and stay on his feet in positions where most people wouldn't be able to stay on their feet. I just think he brings a lot to the table. He's accomplished certainly as a pass rusher and a run defender, but he's also athletic and can move and has a feel for space.

[RashanGary]

Clay is one of those guys, Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga got a lot of the press and there is actually another linebacker there that is a really good player that will be drafted, but the more you watch him the more natural he looks as a player. He's always on his feet. He has great hips and balance. He can use his hands effectively against offensive linemen and running backs.


Another good quote where Thompson talks about Matthews being good at taking on blocks. There are not a lot of guys that can play in space and also play with good base and leverage against bigger lineman. The Steelers have a bunch of guys that go 245 and can still handle bigger blockers. It looks like we might have at least one now too. This was a very important piece if we want to really run a 3-4 defense.

[RashanGary]

For anyone that reads scouting reports and makes judgments, I suggest listening to TT. This is TT's super brief scouting report, but he said this guy can take on blocks. If TT says it, I believe it more than any media written report.

[Packgator]

BTW for those OOT, here's the local news coverage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y29PjaaY18

Thanks Mike. Interesting for us not in the area to see the local coverage.