Jordan Matthews, Andre Hal visiting Tennessee Titans
Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans are hosting a boatload of local 2014 NFL Draft prospects on a visit today, and the biggest name of the bunch is definitely Vanderbilt Commodores star wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Opinions of Matthews vary a great deal at this point in time, as there are some who have him as high as a late first-rounders, whereas others wouldn’t take him before the fourth. Matthews looks like a nice second-tier option at the position, and his tireless work ethic is just a piece of his off-the-charts intangibles that also includes an uncanny willingness to take huge hits.
According to the Nashville Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt, the Titans will also host talented Tennessee State tight end A.C Leonard and many other Vanderbilt products, including cornerback Andre Hal. A potential sleeper prospect in this year’s draft, Hal could be a nice option in the middle rounds for the Titans, especially since they are looking for some cornerback depth after being unable to retain Alterraun Verner.
There are concerns regarding Matthews’s speed and tools, but there’s little doubt that he is coachable and tough. His hands are also the subject of much debate, and there are even a few people who believe he isn’t as good of a route-runner as some say he is. I would be surprised if he slides past the early third round, and I view him as a late second-round pick. The Titans are allowed to have an unlimited number of visits with Matthews due to his status as a local draft prospect, so they are likely just doing due diligence; they don’t need to take a WR high in this year’s draft but could take Matthews if he does slip.