NFL Draft Rumors: New England Patriots interested in Jordan Matthews

Jan 4, 2014; Birmingham, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) carries the ball for a touchdown during the 2014 Compass Bowl against the Houston Cougars at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Although they have seemingly fixed the holes in their secondary by signing cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, the New England Patriots still have issues rushing the passer and at wide receiver.

Re-signing Julian Edelman and singing Brandon LaFell away for the Carolina Panthers were more than solid moves, but the Patriots need a receiver who can help take the top off of opposing defenses.

Vanderbilt Commodores’ receiver Jordan Matthew could be one of those guys.

Matthews, who visited the Raiders on Monday, is drawing interest from the Patriots and according to Meredith Perri of WEEI, Matthews could be a good fit for the Patriots in the second or third round.

"What he brings: Matthews is known as a solid route-runner with good hand-eye coordination. While he has a good frame, it’s believed that he needs to bulk up more and improve in contested situations.Where the Patriots could get him: Rounds 2-3Notes: Matthews, 21, is a cousin of Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. … He is the SEC’€™s all-time leader in career receptions with 262 and receiving yards with 3,759. He also holds the Vanderbilt records for receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions with 24. … As a senior in 2013 he had 112 catches for 1,477 yards and seven touchdowns."

The 6’3, 206-pound Matthews made 112 receptions for 1,477 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

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