2014 NFL Draft grades: Atlanta Falcons select Jake Matthews

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 /

With the sixth pick in the 2014 NFL draft the Atlanta Falcons draft offensive tackle Jake Matthews from Texas A&M.

The Atlanta Falcons were believed to be looking for an offensive tackle to protect franchise quarterback Matt Ryan with their first overall pick or were crossing their fingers Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack would somehow fall in their laps at No. 6. However, with mack off the board one pick ahead of them, their focus was narrowed to offensive tackles Matthews and Taylor Lewan.

Matthews played right tackle early in his career with the Aggies before shifting to the left side after Luke Joeckel went to the NFL last season. He is hte son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews and cousins of Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers.

With Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Harry Douglas, the Falcons have the weapons to be the highly successful passing offense they were prior to last season when White and Jones battled injuries. After throwing the ball more than 70 percent of the time last year, an NFL record, having the security in the pocket that Ryan know has with Matthews blocking for him could mean the Falcons get back to the playoffs after a disappointing 4-12 season.

Mack would have been an absolute dream scenario, but the Falcons still made out very well getting the No. 2 offensive tackle in the draft who can line up at either side is a tremendous pick. I think he’ll start at the right side while Sam Baker holds onto the left side for at least one more year.

Grade: A

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