J.J. Watt is elite. I do not think Clay Matthews III is on that level.

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To be fair, who else is on J.J. Watt's level? J.J. Watt has had near Don Hutson like performance since he entered the league (so far and above anyone else at his position that it's hard to make comparisons). If J.J. Watt is the measuring stick, no other defensive players are elite besides him.

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That's exactly what I feel Elite means. That's also why I do not feel Clay is elite.

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JJ Watt is a generational type talent. I would put him beyond elite. He's already in the hall of fame.

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e·lite
noun

1. a select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities.




I was curious ...

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I would say no but I also really don't think the distinction matters. He's still a fantastic player that is a difference maker on the team. I think he would probably be considered elite if he could have stayed healthier the last couple years though. If Clay has a good game it usually means the defense has a good game. If you want to call him elite, high-quality, good, above-average I don't care. He doesn't play half ass and he can play well at different positions/formations and is still probably the most important player on the defense.

No doubt in my mind Clay was elite, the speed/power he maintained rushing around the edge was remarkable the first few years in the league. I think now he's right on the border with elite/very good but I think he's still young enough to get back to elite status. Splitting time at ILB probably tarnished some of his image around the league but imo it'll be a longterm positive for Clay, expecting big things this year.