Cliff Matthews to Atlanta Falcons: 2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report

April 30, 2011   ·   Michael Schottey   ·   Jump to comments

Cliff Matthews (DE South Carolina) is the newest member of the Atlanta Falcons after being selected with pick No. 230 of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Although it seems unlikely for a seventh-round pick, Matthews could be seen as a longterm replacement for John Abraham whom he plays a lot like.
Matthews was a two-time Second Team All-SEC performer and a big part of South Carolina's resurgence as a team to fear in college football's most competitive conference. Matthews is a team leader (two-time team captain) with no character concerns. Longtime Florida and NFL coach, Steve Spurrier, calls him "one of my favorite players I've ever coached."
Matthews doesn't project as an elite weakside pass rusher at the next level, but could be a longtime starter at the strong-side/left defensive end position. He sets the edge well against the run and can certainly get to the passer when he's one-on-one.
As for Matthews, he has longterm plans for success. When asked where he sees himself in ...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article is property of BleacherReport.com