Jake Matthews
Texas A&M, LT/RT
Height: 6.5
Weight: 308
Age: 22
|
Stats |
|
|
Year |
G |
|
2010 |
10 |
|
2011 |
13 |
| 2012 |
13 |
|
2013 |
13 |
Strengths:
Is very fluid and agile for a lineman, able to keep his man in front of him with relative ease. Rarely gets beaten laterally, and has good initial quickness in his pass sets and recovery speed to keep the edge. Active feet and is able to mirror well and move in space. Able to protect the edge of a moving pocket for one of the most unpredictable QBs in college football. Can run block on the move and redirect at the second level. Highly polished with his technique and oozes NFL pedigree. Technically sound like few others at the college level and masks athletic deficiencies. Gives consistent effort down-in and down-out. Smart and heads up player who can recognize the delayed blitz and pick up the right defender. Is a four-year starter and has multi-positional experience along the line. Versatile enough to play any of the five spots on the line in a pinch.
Weaknesses:
Lacks great anchor strength and power as an in-line blocker. Can be walked back to the quarterback and is not able to dig in and stonewall pass rushers. More of a finesse blocker and rarely dominates, simply stalemating his opponent every play. Does not possess an ornery disposition. Is a bit of a tackle tweener; does not have the ideal athleticism and length of a bona fide left tackle and lacks the power and nasty temperament desired on the right side. Lacks much more upside and does not have much room for development outside of core strength.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: A player who can bring value to all 32 clubs, Matthews is the most pro-ready player in the entire 2014 NFL Draft. If Matthews can add more anchor strength he should be able to enjoy a long career and quietly be one of the better linemen in the league. His ability does not jump out, but he consistently gets the job done and is very reliable. Best suited for a zone run scheme at least early on where his movement skills and awareness will best be utilized.
Comparison: Jordan Gross
Grade: 9.6 (Top 10 Talent)
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