Jake Matthews (Texas A&M) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #6 by ATL
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Jake Matthews - 2014 NFL Draft
Player Profile: Jake Matthews
College: Texas A&M
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 308 lbs
Strengths:
- Versatile Offensive Lineman: Matthews played both left and right tackle during his college career, showcasing his adaptability.
- Strong Pass Protector: Excellent footwork and agility allow him to effectively block against speed rushers.
- High Football IQ: Understanding of defensive schemes enables him to anticipate and react quickly during plays.
- Proven Track Record: Consistently performed at a high level in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football.
- Strong Pedigree: Comes from a football family; his father, Bruce Matthews, is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Experience Against Elite Competition: While he faced strong opponents in the SEC, there were questions about his performance against top-tier NFL talent.
- Injury Concerns: Had some injury issues during his college career that teams may want to evaluate closely.
Overall Assessment:
Jake Matthews was widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2014 NFL Draft class. His combination of size, technical skills, and football intelligence made him a coveted prospect. Many analysts projected him to be a top-5 pick, with the potential to be an immediate starter and a cornerstone player for whichever franchise selected him.
Draft Projection:
Projected as a top-10 pick, Matthews was expected to be chosen by a team in need of immediate help on the offensive line, particularly to protect their quarterback and improve the running game.