flgreen Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Vanderbilt wide receiver Matthews may land with Jets By Brian Costello January 21, 2014 | 9:34pm Modal Trigger Jordan Matthews, left, could end up being a second-round draft pick for the New York Jets.Photo: Getty Images MOBILE, Ala. — Jordan Matthews ran around the field at Ladd-Peebles Stadium feverishly looking for something. The South team’s practice for the Senior Bowl had just ended and scouts and reporters were closing in on the Vanderbilt wide receiver, but he kept darting around the field.+ Finally, Matthews found what he was searching for — a football. He wanted to catch more passes from quarterback Derek Carr. “I’m trying to make sure I’m the best possible player I can be at the end of the day,” Matthews said after he was done running the extra routes. “Whether it’s staying after or watching some extra film, all those things I have to make sure I keep doing them.” Matthews is the top wide receiver at the Senior Bowl, but the early projections have him behind a number of underclassmen who have entered the NFL Draft. Clemson’s Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M’s Mike Evans and USC’s Marqise Lee are generally regarded as the top of this wide receiver class. Matthews falls into the second wave of wide receivers with Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin, Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks, Penn State’s Allen Robinson and LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr. ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper has him as the seventh-best wideout in the draft. He is projected to go in the late first or second round. The Jets, whose biggest need is wide receiver, may miss out on the top wide receiver prospects picking at No. 18 overall and have to address the position in the second round, where Matthews might fall. The team interviewed Matthews on Monday night at the Senior Bowl and the prospect of playing in New York excites Matthews. “It would be an awesome opportunity,” Matthews told The Post. “Rex Ryan, I have all the respect in the world for him as a coach. [He’s a] great guy. The wide receivers there are talented from [Jeremy] Kerley down to Santonio Holmes, also Stephen [Hill]. They have a great group of wide receivers. It would be awesome to play alongside them.” Matthews had a record-setting career at Vanderbilt. He holds the SEC records for career receptions and receiving yards, as well as receptions in a single season with 112 in 2013. He had nine 100-yard receiving games last year. The 6-foot-2, 201- pounder is a relative of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. His mother and Rice are first cousins, and Matthews said he models his game after his famous relative. The scouts do not question Matthews’ production, but wonder if he has the speed needed in the NFL. The biggest question mark is whether he can get separation. “He’s a big-bodied kid,” NFL Network analyst Charles Davis said. “This is the first time I’ve gotten to see him in person. He’s massive. I thought he had a really nice day today. I think he’s good out of breaks and cuts. I think his hands are there. I’ve always admired his toughness because I think he goes into the briar patch and takes some hits and keeps on ticking. Obviously, people are going to want to know what he runs. That’s what it’s going to come down to. … But all in all I think he’s a big-time prospect.” Matthews knows he is ranked behind several of the underclassmen now, but said he’s not trying to prove he’s better than anyone. “ just continue to work and don’t worry about anybody else,” Matthews said. “You have to look at your future through a straw. I can’t worry about what Marqise Lee, Mike Evans and Sammy Watkins are doing. I have to worry about what Jordan Matthews is doing and make sure I’m the best possible player I can be.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eboozer Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 In the photo, he sure seems to have a solid frame Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neckdemon Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 the production is there. his 40-time is better than his uncles was, and rice was the best receiver ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonehands Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Matthews is a guy that could go anywhere from the middle of the first all the way into the third round. At this point, the senior bowl practices are big for him, but it will come down to how he runs. People will try to project if he has number 1 receiver potential or if he is a complimentary guy based on how explosive he is on the stop watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewillie78 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 If Evans and Watkins are gone, I like this dude or Ebron at #18. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 The kid reminds me of an old time type of receiver, tough, big, and seems to do his best work in traffic. At first I thought of Cotchery and then I thought more like in the Al Toon, Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster mold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eboozer Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 The kid reminds me of an old time type of receiver, tough, big, and seems to do his best work in traffic. At first I thought of Cotchery and then I thought more like in the Al Toon, Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster mold Where do I sign? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzieny Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 If Evans and Watkins are gone, I like this dude or Ebron at #18. You would take Mathews at 18? If Ebron is gone why not Amaro? He seems to be rated higher across the boards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzieny Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 The kid reminds me of an old time type of receiver, tough, big, and seems to do his best work in traffic. At first I thought of Cotchery and then I thought more like in the Al Toon, Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster mold Those guys were taller and lankier - kinda reminds me of Reggie Wayne - soft hands, positions himself well, YAC, would be a great pick in 2nd round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustInFudge Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I think Matthews in the 2nd would be one hell of a grab and a pick I'd be really excited about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CotcheryifyouCan Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 im all about this if hes there in 2nd round. i would be pumped Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 im all about this if hes there in 2nd round. i would be pumped and let's face it, he would HAVE to be a better 2nd round WR draftee than the last one that they crapped out on-that guy has got to go...you see? I can't even remember the guys name...on edit: Stephen Hill A.K.A. scrub (and soon to be) ex-Jet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCarl40 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 “It would be an awesome opportunity,” Matthews told The Post. “Rex Ryan, I have all the respect in the world for him as a coach. [He’s a] great guy. The wide receivers there are talented from [Jeremy] Kerley down to Santonio Holmes, also Stephen [Hill]. They have a great group of wide receivers. It would be awesome to play alongside them.” I know he should say things like this, but good lord how did he do it with a straight face? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassmaster2 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 The Jets need WR , this guy sounds good , Al Toon sounds good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gastineau Lives Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 “It would be an awesome opportunity,” Matthews told The Post. “Rex Ryan, I have all the respect in the world for him as a coach. [He’s a] great guy. The wide receivers there are talented from [Jeremy] Kerley down to Santonio Holmes, also Stephen [Hill]. They have a great group of wide receivers. It would be awesome to play alongside them.” I know he should say things like this, but good lord how did he do it with a straight face? Kid's special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 “It would be an awesome opportunity,” Matthews told The Post. “Rex Ryan, I have all the respect in the world for him as a coach. [He’s a] great guy. The wide receivers there are talented from [Jeremy] Kerley down to Santonio Holmes, also Stephen [Hill]. They have a great group of wide receivers. It would be awesome to play alongside them.” I know he should say things like this, but good lord how did he do it with a straight face? How did he even know the names of the WR corps-that's impressive. David Nelson's name wasn't mentioned though-he's the 2nd best receiver on the team. Santonio Holmes will not even be playing football in 2014-maybe down here in Belle Glade with the old HS team but not in the pros-he has deteriorated unlike any player I have ever seen. To go from SB MVP to what I was hearing being said about him on the Panthers radio broadcast. They were saying that the guy has totally lost it and it was actually sad to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Un ******* real. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 by the time May rolls around, WR won't be the biggest need on this team. also remember Idzik had 2 first round picks last year, both were physical freaks BFA in rd 1, best freak available matthews in rd 2 or 3, fair enough. but there probably will be an FA signing for the WR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCarl40 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 by the time May rolls around, WR won't be the biggest need on this team. also remember Idzik had 2 first round picks last year, both were physical freaks BFA in rd 1, best freak available matthews in rd 2 or 3, fair enough. but there probably will be an FA signing for the WR. They could sign a free agent and still not have a #1 WR. They could sign a free agent and still not have a #2 receiver. WR is going to be a need going into the drft no matter how you slice it. Bringing back Nelson is okay, but it's not the end all, be all of WR moves. They still need a #1 and #2 receiver who can try to wrangle passes from a terrible QB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustInFudge Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 by the time May rolls around, WR won't be the biggest need on this team. also remember Idzik had 2 first round picks last year, both were physical freaks BFA in rd 1, best freak available matthews in rd 2 or 3, fair enough. but there probably will be an FA signing for the WR. Even, if they land a true #1 in the offseason, WR is still a need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt39 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 If they cant land a big time WR, I'll settle for a back who can play 3 downs and catch a pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Highly doubtful any free agent WR is a stud number one- so we should be looking no matter what to upgrade the receiving corps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Highly doubtful any free agent WR is a stud number one also doubtful that a pick at 18 would or rd 2 would be a stud number one. the Jets could try to get lucky like Mike Wallace and take a speedster in rd 2 or 3 that turns into a number one (given time) but lets be real there isn't a calvin in this draft and if there was, the Jets are about 15 slots away from drafting him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoicsentry Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 If nothing changes, I'd be comfortable with him in the 2nd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 also doubtful that a pick at 18 would or rd 2 would be a stud number one. the Jets could try to get lucky like Mike Wallace and take a speedster in rd 2 or 3 that turns into a number one (given time) but lets be real there isn't a calvin in this draft and if there was, the Jets are about 15 slots away from drafting him. We need to upgrade the receiving corps - there can not be any disagreement on that- however we accomplish it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 also doubtful that a pick at 18 would or rd 2 would be a stud number one. the Jets could try to get lucky like Mike Wallace and take a speedster in rd 2 or 3 that turns into a number one (given time) but lets be real there isn't a calvin in this draft and if there was, the Jets are about 15 slots away from drafting him. Matt, do you see the Jets going offense or defense in round 1? Would they be in the slot to be able to grab one of those QBs coming out? Or do you see them doing what they always do, you know taking the best defensive lineman or DE/LBer they can find or the best CB available? I mean this IS the Jets, and this IS the Jets with Rex Ryan for the head coach... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Matt, do you see the Jets going offense or defense in round 1? Would they be in the slot to be able to grab one of those QBs coming out? Or do you see them doing what they always do, you know taking the best defensive lineman or DE/LBer they can find or the best CB available? I mean this IS the Jets, and this IS the Jets with Rex Ryan for the head coach... I dont think they will go QB earlier than rd 3. best available freak and yes it could be a OLB or CB. dont everyone all panic if it happens. the WR argument is interesting and i definitely see the need; but the value might not line up. i.e. if the big names are gone, Idzik isn't going to reach as for TE in rd 1 this has been a historically terrible pick for this franchise: Keller, Becht, Brady, Mitchell etc. I don't know why the Jets can't draft a TE in rd 1 but they can't. those who ignore the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obrien2Toon Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 by the time May rolls around, WR won't be the biggest need on this team. also remember Idzik had 2 first round picks last year, both were physical freaks BFA in rd 1, best freak available matthews in rd 2 or 3, fair enough. but there probably will be an FA signing for the WR. I wouldn't call either Milliner or Richardson physical freaks. They were both highly skilled, highly productive players. Mathews fits that perfectly. Behind Watkins, he'd be my next WR, the ceiling isn't as high, but I don't see much downside to him. He's like an anti Stephen Hill. I agree with you though I wouldn't mind BAP player here, we need so much, it's not a time to fill needs. But there's a big difference between next best physical freak and BAP. So yes if by some miracle Barr or Mack fall to us, I would prefer them over Mathews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustInFudge Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I wouldn't call either Milliner or Richardson physical freaks. They were both highly skilled, highly productive players. Mathews fits that perfectly. Behind Watkins, he'd be my next WR, the ceiling isn't as high, but I don't see much downside to him. He's like an anti Stephen Hill. I agree with you though I wouldn't mind BAP player here, we need so much, it's not a time to fill needs. But there's a big difference between next best physical freak and BAP. So yes if by some miracle Barr or Mack fall to us, I would prefer them over Mathews. They're both definitely physical freaks...have you seen the sports science on Milliner? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewillie78 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 You would take Mathews at 18? If Ebron is gone why not Amaro? He seems to be rated higher across the boards. Ideally, I would want him in the 2nd, but I think he is long gone by the time the Jets turn comes around in the 2nd round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenorGato Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I would love him in the 2nd. Edit...make it third, but probably still would be fine in the second...probably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LionelRichie Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 as for TE in rd 1 this has been a historically terrible pick for this franchise: Keller, Becht, Brady, Mitchell etc. I don't know why the Jets can't draft a TE in rd 1 but they can't. those who ignore the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them. the counter to that is that the Jets are due....as a long suffering fan I can tell you that we are due for a lot of things. I don't know much about Matthews but if can get off the line in press coverage AND catch the ball then sign me up because none of the other wr's can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New York Mick Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 He's a smaller slower version of Benji. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonehands Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 I dont think they will go QB earlier than rd 3. best available freak and yes it could be a OLB or CB. dont everyone all panic if it happens. the WR argument is interesting and i definitely see the need; but the value might not line up. i.e. if the big names are gone, Idzik isn't going to reach as for TE in rd 1 this has been a historically terrible pick for this franchise: Keller, Becht, Brady, Mitchell etc. I don't know why the Jets can't draft a TE in rd 1 but they can't. those who ignore the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them. The Jets haven't done too great historically with wide receivers in the second round, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lupz27 Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 He's a smaller slower version of Benji. You forgot Harding worker, smarter, and driven then Benji, where does that leave the two? Talent doesn't always trump hard working, Talent, AND Hard Working does, but there is a lot to be said about Benji off the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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