Perkins waived; Matua signed

[Smooth]

Matua signed, Perkins waived
10.28.2006

The Browns signed rookie offensive lineman Fred Matua Saturday and waived second-year defensive back Antonio Perkins to make room on the roster.

Matua, an early entry to last year's draft out of USC, was drafted in the seventh round by the Lions. He was cut in training camp, then spent time on the Titans' practice squad before he was signed away by the Browns.

The move to sign Matua gives the Browns two rookie guards -- Matua and fourth-round pick Isaac Sowells -- to develop behind veteran starters Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman.

Perkins was a fourth-round pick in 2005. He played in one game last year and had 2 tackles in limited time as a backup and special teams player this season.

Not a big surprise here.. Perkins has been hurt his whole tenure with the Browns and hasn't shown any CB skills... With the emergence of Cribbs, Perkins return role has diminshed to nothing...

Here's the scouting report I have from 2 different draft magazines from this previous draft:

Sporting News

14.(among guards) Fred Matua
6-2 305 5.23

Strengths: Shows nice footwork and blocks efficiently. Gets aggresive in the running game and moves well laterally in tight spaces. Maintains nice separation in pass protection. Drops his hips well to stuff bull rushers.

Weaknesses: Shows more flair than substance. Has trouble blocking quicker and faster defensive ends. Is willing to pull but tends to miss defenders in the open field.

Bottom Line: Matua shouldn't be coming out early. He benefited from having great players around him and has much to prove. FINAL GRADE: 4.0



ESPN

Fred Matua
[Undersized] 4. (among guards) 6'2", 307

Best Trait = Mobility
Positives = Tailor-made for a system that emphasizes quickness and technique over size. Has nifty feet and very good overall mobility. Also fiesty and and powerful. Takes sound first steaps and angles as a run-blocker. Plays with leverage and drives his legs. A fist figther with a powerful upper body. In pass protection, Matua plays with good leverage and shows a quick set and good balance. Able to shuffle laterally and pick up blitzes and stunts. Plays extremely hard and shows a great motor.

Worst Trait = Size
Negatives = On the shorter side, and doesn't have great bulk. Arms are short and hands are smallish. Doesn't overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. Will need double-team help agaisnt two-gap tackles. Had knee and hernia surgery in 2002, though, he's remained healthy the past three season.

Equivalent NFL player = Brandon Moore, Jets
Overall Grade = 76

 

[CBBI]

Perkins would probably look pretty good returning punts after watching Cribbs these past two games.