Grading Dimitroff’s Previous First Round Picks
By John Buhler
Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) blocks against Tennessee Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (95) during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Titans defeated the Falcons 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
2014: OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M (6th Overall)
After a baptism-by-fire first season for the Falcons, OT Jake Matthews looks to build on lesson-filled rookie season. Matthews comes from football royalty as his cousin Clay III stars for the Packers, his uncle Clay, Jr. starred for the Cleveland Browns at LB, and his father is Hall of Fame OT Bruce Matthews. In addition to having to block for the always scrambling Heisman Trophy winning QB Johnny Manziel in college, Jake accepted any challenge thrown his way .
When OT Sam Baker suffered his season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year, Matthews assumed the role of protecting Matt Ryan’s blind side. As a rookie Jake certainly had his ups and downs being forced into the gauntlet when Smitty’s initial plan to start the rookie out of Texas A&M at RT completely fell to the way side.
Falcons fans hope that Jake got all of his growing pains out of the way last year. There is a lot of pressure on Matthews to live up to the hype in Year 2. We will have a better sense of Jake this time next year.
Grade: 85, B
The NFL draft commences at 8PM ET Thursday from Chicago. Stay tuned for more coverage of the 2015 NFL Draft. Until then, Rise Up, ATL!