2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ryan Mathews

Strengths:

Strong frame with great bulk

Patient runner – lets blocks develop

Runs with amazing balance and low center of gravity

Physical blocker

Doesn’t dance in backfield – hits hole with authority

Good straight line speed when given room

Great vision – sees open lanes

Smart and knows how to read linebackers

Punishing stiff arm

Extremely productive

Can handle 20-plus carries per game

Weaknesses:

Strictly a two-down back

Hands of stone – very inconsistent catching the ball

Misses blocking assignments

Not nearly as athletic in games as measureables suggest

Doesn’t break many tackles

Lacks elusiveness to make defenders miss in open field

Had an extremely good offensive line against inferior competition

Durability concerns

Summary: The hype of Ryan Mathews surrounds two things: junior year production and his triangle numbers (height, weight, 40 time). Once you put on the tape, you just don’t see a very charismatic runner with very good athleticism. He can’t play on third down and this really hurts his value in my opinion. His offensive line absolutely destroyed opponents making Mathews look much better than he is – he picked up big stats and every back looks good when nobody touches you and there are wide running lanes. Mathews will be the second or third back chosen and has a very good chance of going in the first round – maybe as high as No. 20 to Houston.

Player Comparison: Laurence Maroney. Maroney can’t play on third down and has been inconsistent in the league despite great production in college.

RELATED LINKS:

2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s

2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

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