Trent Matthews, DB, Colorado State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Ross Woomer
![Oct 4, 2014; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams safety Trent Matthews (16) celebrates after a play in the second quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Oct 4, 2014; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams safety Trent Matthews (16) celebrates after a play in the second quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/10188a429c0c5646ad94cb99cc8f360ebaf46685ab6d308124d98438f28d6080.jpg)
Trent Matthews was a leader in Colorado State’s locker room. He doesn’t receive praise from only teammates and coaches but also from local families. Matthews volunteers with youth football teams in the summer and is open about his interest in eventually coaching football. Matthews is always trying to help someone else. He is a team player who understands the sport and sets personal achievements behind team achievements.
He did not play his red-shirt freshman season in 2011.
Matthews averaged 66 total tackles per season and has picked off opposing quarterbacks ten times throughout his four years playing at CSU. He tied a school record of 50 career starts, all in the secondary.
In 2015, Matthews ranked third in team tackles (79) and was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works team, an off-the-field award awarded to those who positively impacted their community.
Measurables
Height: 6″ 3′
Weight: 210
40-yard dash: 4.62
Strengths
Matthews is a vocal leader and was voted a team captain his senior year. His off-the-field behavior clearly demonstrates leadership and responsibility. Matthews is a hard-hitter who tackles ball-carriers with commitment. He feels he has the ability to play any position on the field.
Matthews is a versatile athlete who has height on his side.
He is also four inches taller than the average NFL defensive back.
Weaknesses
He wasn’t able to participate in CSU’s 2015 bowl game against Nevada due to tearing his ACL in the last regular season game. Matthews doesn’t have a nagging history with injuries so along as he is recovered for rookie camps, his ACL injury shouldn’t hinder his progression.
Potential Fits
Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Thoughts
Matthews volunteering with schools and youth football leagues shows his love for the game and his willingness to help others with success. He appears to have a high football IQ which could certainly enhance his playing ability in the NFL.
If the on-field performance is there, Matthews already possesses the humble mindset looked for in NFL athletes. He ranks as the 10th free safety in the 2016 NFL Draft.