Atlanta Falcons 2014 Mock Draft: Pre Free Agency Edition
By Jake Bennett
Oct 26, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Jake Matthews (75) warms up against the Vanderbilt Commodores before the game at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – OT Jake Matthews – Texas A&M
Jadeveon Clowney will likely be gone by the time Atlanta is on the board, and the best remaining pass rushers are Outside Linebackers. Luckily for the Falcons, Jake Matthews is still waiting for his phone to ring.
Son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, Jake also comes from a family with Falcon Clay Matthews Jr, and current Green Bay Packer Clay Matthews III. As an Aggie, Matthews played RT before eventually being placed at LT to fill in for Luke Joeckel. Jake excelled at both, and was a 2013 Consensus All-American and First Team All-SEC. At 6’5″ and 305 lbs, Matthews has enough athleticism to do anything you would want out of an NFL Offensive Tackle. His excellent footwork and pad level keep opposing defenders from pushing him around, and out of all the Tackles in this draft class, Matthews is the most polished.
If taken, the Falcons have a versatile OT who can play at either position. With Sam Baker’s and Lamar Holmes’ play suspect, Jake can come in and secure at least one side of the Falcons’ offensive line.
As much as I would like a defensive pick here, Matthews fills a need without Atlanta having to reach.