He killed the combine in my estimation.
Going in, he was seen as a very productive guy, but not a candidate for split end. The knock on him being, he struggled to create separation.
I personally never agreed with that estimation. On tape, you see he uses a variety of methods to get clean separation. Speed, crisp route running and high point ability.
The combine really more confirms that estimation and casts serious doubt on the concerns about his ability to separate. He has 6'3" legit height -- a half inch shorter than the supposed 6'5" Martavious Bryant. At 6'3", that puts him in the X receiver conversation.
His reach is 33 1/4"+. That a plus measurement for a receiver. And it also confirms his legitimate ability to get after high throws. His height and length are superb.
His hand size at 10.25 is outstanding. Matthews has demonstrated outstanding hands, and snatches the ball cleanly from the air. Hand size like that also indicates a strong ability to secure catches from strip attempts by CBs in the NFL after the catch (think Kearse's stripped TD in the Super Bowl)
Matthews really has been in the top third of the tier 2 WR group throughout the process. An early marginal 1st round WR but expected to come to earth by having a mediocre combine and measurables that were expected to confirm his doubts. Instead Matthews measured out exactly the opposite by virtually every metric and drill they worked him through.
There will certainly be some who aren't convinced. Electing to stand on their original assessment of him. I've been a big fan of his for awhile, and I'm going to admit this combine was WAY more than I could have hoped for his draft status. I see a very savvy/smart player who understands how to perfect his craft. Understands how to employ the little things to make a difference at the next level. I see a prospect who physically is everything you want from an X receiver. Size, agility, length, speed. I see a prospect who has the right kind of mind to improve. Like Sherman, Thomas, Wilson that we have on our team already. A guy who will have the dedication needed to excel at the intelligence part of the game. In this aspect, I think he's the best in this entire class. But not being privvy to his interview process -- I am not in a position to make an authoritative position on that.
I do think, that he's a prospect who will be attractive for Seattle. They value those kinds of traits highly. I think if they had concerns about him physically as a suitable prospect -- the combine will have washed those concerns away. Is he a physical freak talent? No. And that is something we desire. But he is well above average.
I don't expect us to really go after him in R1. Which means I don't think he'll be a Hawk. There aren't any TE prospects who will be physically exceptional. But there are OL talent who really are exceptional prospects. The freak value is in that group right now. I really expect us to go that route if we continue to abide by the pattern we have established in our drafts to date.