Rams Pick Up Matthew Wells for Practice Squad

[LACHAMP46]

Who is Matt Wells? Well, he's a physical freak from Miss. St. with the measureables I love....That's why I know we're in good hands with the Snisher....Now, I'll get back to you on when they'll start getting my boy Quick some targets to help Foles out....LOL
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/matthew_wells_jamerson_love_bl.html

Linebacker Matthew Wells was perhaps the biggest standout in Starkville. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound Wells ran a 4.4 40, according to HailState.com's Bob Carskadon, and posted a 35-inch vertical and 9-foot, 10-inch broad jump.

"He did great," MSU defensive end Preston Smith told HailState.com of his old Wells. "We always knew he was fast, but we wanted everyone else to realize he was fast. That shoots him up the board."

http://nesn.com/2015/05/patriots-draft-speedy-linebacker-matthew-wells-178th-overall-in-sixth-round/

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots scooped up a speedy, undersized linebacker with their first pick in the sixth round. The Patriots selected Mississippi State’s Matthew Wells with the 178th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Wells ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at his pro day at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds. He ran a 7.10-second 3-cone drill, 4.26-second short shuttle, benched 15 reps, recorded a 35.5-inch vertical leap and broad jumped 9 feet, 10 inches. Wells started 26 games over the last two years with Bulldogs. He recorded 165 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and six sacks in four years at Mississippi State. He also had an interception, 14 passes defended and three forced fumbles. Wells played at Mississippi State with current Patriots linebacker Deontae Skinner. Wells could project at weak-side linebacker or special teams with the Patriots. Wells was targeted 43 times in coverage last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed 21 catches for 212 yards and no touchdowns for a 63.3 passer rating. He rushed the passer 73 times and recorded 16 total pressures.

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2015/05/patriots-draft-speedy-linebacker-matthew-wells-178th-overall-in-sixth-round/

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/matthew-wells?id=2553443
LB
Matthew Wells
Mississippi St. SEC

Drafted By: Patriots

• Round 6
• Pick 2
• Overall 178

Draft Analysis:
New England has a knack for finding pieces to their own unique puzzle and Wells is another example of that. He blew up his Pro Day running in the 4.4s and he's battle tested. He will likely find a role as a special teams cover man early in his career. --Mark Dulgerian

• 6'2" Height
• 222LBS. Weight

Overview
2014: Started all 13 games at outside linebacker. 2013: Started all 13 contests. 2012: Played in 13 games. Earned a start at outside linebacker in four of the first five games of the season. 2011: All-SEC Freshman nominee who played in all 13 games, including three starts. 2010: Redshirted.

Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 4.44 seconds
Vertical jump: 35 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
Short shuttle: 4.26 seconds
3-cone: 6.97 seconds
Bench: 15 reps of 225 pounds

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=113576&draftyear=2015&genpos=OLB

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/archive/1759857

Also appears he was cut by the Bears on Sept. 5th...hmmmmm...And some of you only thought the Seahawks & 9ers did this....LOL.

What say you, guy can make the ST squad? Can he play?

 

[LazyWinker]

I suppose you can never have enough 6'1"-2" 220lb guys.

 

[ramfan46]

Maybe looking for Bailey's long term replacement on ST. Love that combo of size and speed. Let's see if he has anything between the ears to make it work for him.

 

[Ram65]

He could fit the tweener LBer/Safety that Barron plays. He has speed. Could get weight up to 228-230.

 

[CGI_Ram]

He could fit the tweener LBer/Safety that Barron plays. He has speed. Could get weight up to 228-230.

That's what I'm thinking. He sounds like a good fit to our heavy nickel packages.

 

[RedRam]

Dang...dude is fast! I used to think I was fast when I was in high school and early in college. I could run a 4.4 and did a few times. But I was 50 lbs lighter than this guy then... It's scary just how big, fast, and strong these guys are today.

I hope the guy can play and contribute for the Rams! Welcome aboard Wells!

 

[RedRam]

He could fit the tweener LBer/Safety that Barron plays. He has speed. Could get weight up to 228-230.

Yeah, I like how they're using Barron and the way he's taken that role and run with it. I'm picturing the D out there on third and long with Barron, 'Tree, and possibly Wells out there in the future maybe? Those guys would be able to cover a lot of ground with their wheels.

 

[ChrisW]

Is he a hitter? Could be fun seeing him fly down the field as a gunner.

 

[bwdenverram]

I suppose you can never have enough 6'1"-2" 220lb guys.

Sure, if you're a WR

 

[Amitar]

How about the Rams pick up some OL help

 

[fearsomefour]

That's what I'm thinking. He sounds like a good fit to our heavy nickel packages.

Yep.
See if he can get to the point he can contribute on ST this year or next then be a depth guy for a hopefully resigned Barron.
Who knows?
That 6' 1" or 6' 2" 220 lb just seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of athletes. Good size without being lumbering. Powerful without being slow.