Chances the Pats might want Ryan Matthews?

[glm]

1010101010

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm sure Pat Hill has made BB well aware of Ryan Mathews (1 "t"). He's an amazing runner, very much reminiscent of Rashard Mendenhall, and also a little bit of Donald Brown. 5'11" 220#, hits the hole very aggressively (no "dancing" from Mathews), physical runner who has the speed to take it to the house. I've touted him on some other threads including the draft prospects sticky, where I posted some video links:

Here's some video:

YouTube - Best Runningback in NCAA
YouTube - Ryan Mathews 3TD's (2009)
YouTube - Ryan Mathews 2007 Highlights

I really love the way Mathews runs, and think he's also a terrific weapon out of the backfield (see around the 3:35 mark of the first video clip of Mathews). He has terrific acceleration, runs low to the ground, causes people to miss or not make good contact, and has home run capability. Coming from Fresno St. may cause him to slip a bit, and I'm guessing he will go sometime in the 2nd round if he comes out.

 

[glm]

College Football Power Rankings

Rivals has him number 3 right now.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Yes I can see BB being interested in this kid. But a lot depends on how he runs and if BB thinks his hands are NFL calibre and does he project to be able to pick up blitzers.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Also have to wonder if Pats will spend a first round pick on a RB when other positions need more attention.
The good news: this is a deep draft for straight-ahead, possession-type runners, many of whom will be available on Day 2 in Dixon, Tate and Hardesty (and that's just the SEC).
NFL Draft - 2010_RB Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com