Jordan Matthews
WR, Vanderbilt · 2014 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #42 (PHI)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 81 of ~180 possible regular-season games from 2014 through 2024 (~45%). Last NFL season: 2024.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #49 (#9 at his position), close to where he went (#42).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Vanderbilt: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at 212 lbs: faster than 53% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 81 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 23 |
| Receiving | 274 rec, 3,288 yds, 22 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2024 |
The 2014 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2014 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 212 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.46 s |
| Bench press | 21 reps |
| Vertical | 35.5" |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| 3-cone | 6.95 s |
| Shuttle | 4.18 s |
| Arm / hand | 33.2" / 10.3" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #49 overall (#9 WR) |
Picked around him 2014 redraft
| 39 | Marqise Lee | redraft #88 |
| 40 | Kyle Van Noy | redraft #15 |
| 41 | Lamarcus Joyner | redraft #63 |
| 43 | Weston Richburg | redraft #47 |
| 44 | Cyrus Kouandjio | redraft #142 |
| 45 | Paul Richardson | redraft #98 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.