Atlanta Flacons name Jake Matthews starting left tackle
The Atlanta Falcons drafted offensive tackle Jake Matthews No. 6 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft with the hopes that he would be the future at left tackle. However, that timetable appears to be moved up a bit after rumors of a switch became reality on Monday.
Reports from Atlanta indicate the rookie tackle is making the switch to left tackle with Sam Baker out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
The #Falcons made the switch. Rookie Jake Matthews at LT and Lamar Holmes at RT.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 18, 2014
Originally the plan was to ease Matthews in to the system, allow him to play a season or two at right tackle and then move him over as the anchor of that offensive line.
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When an injury like that happens and you’ve been impressing all camp long a move like this shouldn’t have been unexpected.
When asked about a potential move before anyone knew about Baker’s status, Matthews said he would be up to the task.
“I’ll do it,” Matthews said, via ESPN.com.
“That’s what they drafted me for: to come here and play wherever. And something I take a lot of pride in is my versatility and being able to play on either side. If they ask me to move over, I’ll be happy to do it.”
The question is, can Matthews protect Matt Ryan’s blind side against some of the best and most aggressive defenses in the league. He’ll face the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints twice and will line up against Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers when the Falcons play the Green Bay Packers.