they actually compare alot physically.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=60873&draftyear=2000&genpos=DE
but another thing to consider when evaluating prospects is body-type. both cushing and
matthews have stiffness in their frame that i don't much care for. cushing has a stiff upper body and isn't as sound a tackler that i would prefer while matthews does not excell in space because of his stiff lower body.
barwin as he points out and scott wright above agrees, excells in space because he has the build. this is why he also excelled at tighend at cincinnati.
he even caught 6 touchdowns and had a 100 yard recieving game i believe.