Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews drawing interest from San Diego Chargers
By Josh Sanchez
Ryan Mathews has been flying up draft boards and could hear his name being called in the first-round come April. The No. 2 running back and 23rd ranked player overall on the NFL Mocks Big Board shined at his Pro Day last Wednesday.
"Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews, whose stock has risen with strong performances at the Combine and his pro day, could be a target of the Chargers with the 28th overall pick, ESPN reported. After cutting LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers need a feature back to team with scatback Darren Sproles.Chargers GM A.J. Smith reportedly met with Mathews before his pro day last Wednesday, when Mathews (5-11 5/8, 218) was timed at 4.48 and 4.53 in the 40. He posted a time of 4.45 at the Combine."
When asked about the possibility of being drafted by San Diego, Mathews said, “When GMs come out here to watch you, it’s a big deal. Hopefully, they like you. Hopefully, I impressed him enough to where if I get a chance to be on his team, (Smith) picks me up.”
The nation’s leading rusher Mathews, unlike top-ranked back C.J. Spiller, has the size to become an every down back in the NFL. He has incredible footwork and balance. He proved during his time at Fresno State that he can handle the main load while still maintaining his speed.
Mathews will need to improve as a receiving threat, but he is a very reliable ball carrier.
What he lacks in the receiving game, Mathews more than makes up for it with his ball security and toughness. In his 535 career carries, Mathews only allowed the ball to hit the turf three times.
Mathews runs with power and he still has the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. If Mathews see a gap he will beat the defender to the spot and take the ball all the way to the endzone.
It is also said that the New England Patriots have show interest in Mathews.