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Pros- Matthews plays very hard and with great instincts. He is extremely quick and shows a great burst when it's needed. He uses his speed to chase ballcarriers down and as a pass rusher. With a great football IQ and an unmatched work ethic, Matthews worked his way into the Trojans starting lineup in 2008 and played like he had been starting for years.

Cons- Matthews is viewed as an overachiever by most scouts, one that benefited by being surrounded by elite talent. He isn’t very athletic and is not as big as NFL teams would like. He struggles in coverage and in one on one situations with quick backs on the outside. Despite cracking the starting lineup his final season, he had just 56 tackles. He does not have much experience and his durability is an issue.

Scouts Take- When it comes to heart, knowledge, and dedication to the game, Matthews may stand above everyone in the whole 2009 draft class. The former USC walk-on worked his way into the starting lineup his final year. Despite playing on what was perhaps USC’s most talented defense of all-time, Matthews stood out as a player that never let up and had a knack for causing havoc in the backfield. Matthews went from being a special teams player known for being the son and nephew of NFL greats (Clay, Sr. and Bruce Matthews) to a first-round prospect…in just one year. He may have to wait again to crack the starting lineup for his NFL team because he is still a little raw at linebacker, but he will shine on special teams immediately. If Matthews doesn’t go in the first, he will be one of the top three or four taken in the 2nd round.

School Bio

4.2.09 - Based on unofficial times LB Clay Matthews ran a 4.57 40-yard dash. Saints coach Sean Payton, Vikings coach Brad Childress, 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Lions coach Jim Schwartz were on the USC campus. Several GMs are also getting a first-hand look, including the Lions’ Martin Mayhew, the Saints’ Mickey Loomis, the Vikings’ Rick Spielman, the Cardinals’ Rod Graves and Ted Thompson of the Packers. A number of coordinators are getting a look, including Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan of the Lions and Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill was there as well, and I’m told he brought the Cardinals’ contingent on his private jet. The Lions and Saints have the biggest contingents, followed by the Seahawks, Raiders and Vikings.

Matthews, the third of the Trojan linebacking trio in most people's opinions, is perhaps the most intriguing. He's gone from a walk-on to a first round pick. That improvement must be respected, and he's only getting better. With some more experience and a bit of bulk added to his dedication and athleticism, it could be this kid that ends up being the brightest star of this talented trio and my favorite. With his work ethic and already rapid progress, he'll be a terror off the edge. Matthews is also a secure tackler and is athletic enough to contribute in pass coverage. -

All Access Daily Dose: More USC Pro Day Results

1.23.09 - He’s not quite as explosive as teammates Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing, but no one can doubt that Clay Matthews is going to be a player at the next level. He looks like such a natural pass rusher, who showed he can overpower blockers using leverage in addition to his ability to get off the edge. - NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl