Matthews: Almost a Patriot? 
Feb 02, 2010 -- 11:10am

The Boston Globes Albert Breer has an interesting tidbit on Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews feeling that hed be drafted by the New England Patriots last spring. Talking with Matthews at last weeks Pro Bowl practices, Breer reports that Matthews was virtually convinced that hed end up in New England.

The Packers drafted Matthews with the 26th overall pick after packaging their second-round and two third-round picks in a trade with yep, the Patriots to move up. Matthews finished with 10 sacks, was third in the NFL defensive rookie of the year balloting and made it to the Pro Bowl as a first alternate.

"We kind of knew with my talent and where I was projected to be drafted and with (the Patriots) needs, I thought it might be a possibility I end up there," Matthews said. "But hey, (I) couldnt be happier in Green Bay.

Matthews' father, Clay Jr., played for Patriots coach Bill Belichick from 1991 to 93 in Cleveland, which made the younger Matthews think he was headed to the northeast.

Another reason I thought I might end up (there was) the simple fact that Belichick coached my father. It seemed like a perfect fit at the time," Matthews said.

Derek Cox started all games in his first year, and did damn well doing it, Darius Butler looked real good at the end of the season and Tate was mostly injured. The CBs look like they'll work out great, but I still like Ted Thompson's balls for having the mojo trade for Matthews. I love the guy.

"Packers_Finland" wrote:

I suspect Matthews was pretty upset at first. He had a chance to play for his Dad's old coach, one of the best of all time, for a team known for it's recent winning pedigree and live in Boston. But credit to him, he's thrown himself into his work in Wisconsin and I'm delighted we've got him.

"British" wrote:

"British" wrote:

"British" wrote: