Mock with an emphasis on need

Albert haynesworth did.

 

I have no problem with us taking a true MLB type if he will be significantly better than what we have. Patrick willis type player for example.

Laurenitis is not a significant upgrade in my opinion.

Just sign tulluch to a long term deal. We also have fowler who has 2 years left on his contract.

Clay matthews would be a better pick he is big enough to play MLB or SAM on our team and fast enough to play either of the OLB spots and can double as a pass rusher off the edge. Matthews was timed at 1.49 at 10 yards the fastest time of any linebacker or DE a more explosive impact player.

 

Well...

Good point though he plays more than 50% of the time, doesn't come out for package reasons, and plays less by the coaching staff's choice because they like to rotate DL.

Gut

 

Glad to see people are starting to join in on the Matthews bandwagon. He can also drop back in coverage.

I'm a USC supporter and fan....... of the 3 touted SC linebackers (Cushing, Maualuga and Matthews), IMO Matthews has the most upside of them all. Sure, he didn't start until his senior season, but he was a walk-on and earned the role. He's still learning and growing.

 

Yes...but...

Exactly!

Only problem with Matthews is he's not a good run defender at this time and doesn't really have experience dropping into coverage. He's basically a 240lbs OLB who has a great 10 yd burst to rush the passer. We don't blitz our OLB's much but we rely on them to be good coverage and run defenders. It's unclear if he could add 15-20lbs and move to DE. He's not a good fit for our D unless you think you can coach him up in a year or two. He has the athleticism, but he'd be a project. He's also a bit of a one year wonder. The other thing is...is he replacing Bulluck or Thornton? If it's Thornton, he'll be riding the bench for 2 years and really only contribute as a 3rd down pass rushing specialist and special teamer...not really what you want for 2 years out of a first rnd pick. I don't think he can play MLB right now since he doesn't take on blocks and doesn't shed well.

Gut

 

I'm sorry Gut, but I respectfully continue to disagree. Right now we have 2 OLB's over 30. Thornton is 30 and Bulluck is 32. They are smaller than Matthews, but Matthews at 240 is faster than both. He can rush the passer, drop back in coverage and can play the run. He's considered a 3-down backer. Remember, he was a Safety coming out of high school. Most "experts" actually consider him the best of the SC linebackers coming out this year. Hard to believe, but true. Granted, they played him at DE most of the 08 season, but didn't that D amass perhaps one of the best defensive years in NCAA Div 1 history?

As we plan for the eventual departure or retirement of Bulluck and Thornton, this guy would be ideal as a starter in 2 years.

And before bigtitan53279 chimes in with his dig here about my man crush for Matthews, ya may want to look at yer own sig tag man.

 

Lol!!!!!!!!

 

Well...

Bulluck was 244lbs at his combine...4lbs HEAVIER than Matthews and Im pretty sure Bulluck ran around a 4.50 the last he was tested in college....and some have him faster at 4.45-4.47. I seriously doubt Matthews is faster...and weighed less at the time. Bulluck is also more athletic though probably not as strong. Thornton ran a similar 40 in his combine to Matthews at 4lbs lighter. Thornton also had excellent measureables in terms of change of direction.

Where do you get the idea that Matthews plays the run well and takes on blockers well? Where do you get the idea that he can cover anyone? The REASON he didn't really play LB per se at USC is BECAUSE he's deficient in those areas. Can he improve and continue to develop and perhaps become a 1st rnd type player with 2 years of coaching and practicing? Sure. But that makes him a project and our goal is NOT to take projects in rnd 1. And his pass rushing burst is better suited for a 3-4 team. We don't really blitz our OLB's so his current skill set isn't well suited for our scheme unless we're gonna draft him in round 1 and wait 2 years before he starts to do anything...then we get 1 year out of him and boom...new/big payday contract.

Not the most bang for your buck in terms of getting value on the field as soon as possible and in terms of cap.

Most experts think he has the most UPSIDE...he's not currently the best player. And there is a saying in both Football and baseball...POTENTIAL can get ya fired!

The ONLY position in which I think it's reasonable to wait til yr 3 for a first rnd pick to start is QB.

If you find it more than acceptable to draft Matthews and wait 3 years for production...that's your call. But there is no evidence he can take on blockers well in college nor has he had to cover anyone more than the occasional zone blitz.

Gut

 

I say Gut's pretty on with Matthews and Laurinitis, though I'd still be interested in drafting Matthews if he fell to us.

This is one year that the first Titans pick may not contribute significantly, unless they have some return skills or otherwise play on special teams.

Would a DE? Probably not.

A CB? Probably not, unless Harper got injured or they planned to systematically replace him as the season progressed.

A WR? Perhaps, but by no means is it a slam dunk.

A LB? No.

A DT? Possible, but would only add to the rotation. Maybe TB gets traded.

A C or G? Not unless Mawae gets hurt or they intended to cut him.


So I think the goal would be to draft someone who might help next year rather than this one. To me, that's a host of candidates.

If there's a player I would offhand think would contribute the most in year one, it would probably be Percy Harvin, but I'm not convinced that's the direction they'll go.