Why not look at a DE? I really think this is way too high for a 1 year starter and the looks of a work out wonder, can we say Mike Mamula.

 . . . but then again I laughed at the Mayo pick last year.

The one thing you can say about Mathews is that he has the bloodlines. If he had 1/2 the longevity of his Pops, he’ll be well worth the pick.

Last year it was the Jags trading up to #8 to snag Derrick Harvey, the year before it was Ted Ginn Jr. going 9th to the Dolphins with a need at QB and Quinn on the board, the one before that it was Donte Whitner to the Bill at 8… I think this curveball adds some realism to our mock that is often lacking in the far too formulaic versions out there. This is why we do this as a group instead of keeping to ourselves and individual mocks. As for the pick, I think it’s fine. I’d go Tyson Jackson there for the Packers, but whatevs. Should make for an interesting few picks following that…

i like me a curveball but I have to ask the same question as the commish why not cushing?

That said I thikn this makes it harder for some other teams. Denver now has some big prospects on the board I am sure they didnt plan on having there

If Raji or Brown are off the board, I would prefer Matthews over Cushing and Maualuga. He is much more than a one year wonder or a workout warrior. This guy beat out an All-American to become a starter. He is a late bloomer who has big-time sack. He doesn’t have the injury concerns of Cushing, and has much more versatility and brains than Maualuga. I admit it. I have a mancrush on him.

First of all let me say that I really wanted Raji bad but Oakland beat me to it. I realize he only started 1 year at USC but he did play 05, 06, and 07 and not only did he show incredible versatility(special teams, defensive end, linebacker) but he also showed alot of savvy and instinct for geting to the ball. The Packers were in the bottom 25% of sacks last year and that wont cut it if you want to make the playoffs. With Matthews speed and ability he should turn into a great outside rush linebacker and thats just what the pack needs. Also, due to his versatility, he will make an excellent special teams player and can play a stand up end in certain situations. To me this makes him very much worth the money for the ninth round pick.
I certainly thought about Cushing and I think he will be a great player, but I think he will be better playing in a inside linebacker position and I dont think he is versitile enough to play special teams or cover running backs effectively in pass coverage.
As for a defensive end the pack just resigned 2 they already had so the depth in that position is fine.

I think he has proven he has a better chance at staying healthy for a full season than some of the other picks.
Anyway thanks everyone for the feedback I appreciate you spending the time to do that.

I think the consenus is that im daffy though. Oh well maybe I can get a job with Al Davis lol.

This is why its a mock draft…I guarantee there’s some picks just like this during the real draft where all of us are like WTF?!?!?! But who knows this guy has the same opportunity as every other linebacker being drafted. To be a rookie in the NFL, to work his ass off and to prove his worth…I like the pick because I like the fact this guy is a HARD worker. And I think he’ll do good if not great things in the NFL. Good pick!

Now, I have seen the word “Workout Warrior” being bandied about by fans and media, in particular with regards to Cushing, and now, Matthews.
Want to see a real work out warrior, see Vernon Gholston. He has consistently gone missing in games his ENTIRE carreer.
On the other hand, anyone that has consistently watched USC and PAC 10 over the years knows this is far from the truth with regards to any of USC LB’s. They are all 100% high motor guys, and just because Cushing and Matthews in particular increased their value in the combine, does not make them work out warriors…..it just makes them more complete pacjages.
These guys are players, and I would be stoked with any of them.
I think Green bay is more likely to go after Cushing than Matthews, but Matthews stock is rocketing, probably harming Rey more than anyone as far as USC backers staying in the news.
Great post, and what a great series this is.
Kudos to everyone!

 . . . was sent to the Commish last night so it should be posted soon.

I just don’t see it…I understand your reasoning, but it doesn’t jive for me at all. Cushing is more complete.

Aren’t there questions about his character and durability?

I do however have some issues with his durability but that also was not a decideing factor in my pick. What I looked at more was the largest hole that the packers needed to fill and what role he would play on the overall team. For me the selling point on Matthews took place when I was watching some film on him and saw an ability to not only play several positions but to play them at a high effeciency. The guy can be all over the feild and has an uncanny ability to locate and get to the ball in a hurry. I watched as this guy played special teams, LB, and DE and saw a guy who proved he could make big time plays in any of those roles. He made interceptions, blocked punts, got to the QB, and made alot of tackles for loss and he is exactually what I believe the packers need to got to the next level. I know one thing no matter where this guy gets picked ill be watching his play very closely.