Grading every Atlanta Falcons OL pick under Thomas Dimitroff
Of the 12 offensive line picks that Thomas Dimitroff has made as to the Atlanta Falcons general manager, only two deserve the “A” grade. Like everything else within the Falcons fan base, this is sure to be controversial for no real reason.
2014 – Jake Matthews – Texas A&M University – Pick #6
Jake Matthews is just one of seven offensive linemen to be taken within the Top 10 picks of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. When he had his name called, he joined George Kunz (69), Warren Bryant (77), Mike Kenn (78), Bill Fralic (85), Bob Whitfield (92) and Lincoln Kennedy (93).
When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Matthews, he was expected to solidify the right side of the offensive line as Sam Baker was still with the Falcons and had been Matt Ryan’s left tackle. As we all know these two would never start a game together and Jake would start 15 games as Matt Ryan’s blind side tackle as a rookie.
While Matthews has been more prone to penalties than Falcons fans would like, he has been a top-five or six left tackle in the game and saves for his holding penalty in the Super Bowl, Jake has been fantastic and along with Alex Mack the only lineman that the Falcons have been able to count on.
Next. Matt Ryan is battling NFL history. dark
2019 – Chris Lindstrom – Boston College – Pick #14
Like his right side linemate, it is too early to call on Lindstrom for sure, but the five games he did start he was fantastic and showed the NFL why Thomas Dimitroff surprised everyone by taking him at the 14th spot when most expected the Falcons to go defense.
Hopefully, Chris Lindstrom can stay healthy in 2020 and along with Kaleb McGary solidify the right side of the offensive line and keep Matt Ryan from getting hit 100 or more time in 16 games.