2014 NFL Draft: Jake Matthews Scouting Report

By Ryan Ratty on Friday, March 21st 2014
2014 NFL Draft: Jake Matthews Scouting Report

College: Texas A&M

Ht: 6'5"

Wt: 310 pounds

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Jake Matthews would have been a top-ten pick in 2013 if he declare for that draft. Instead, it was the tackle opposite of him in Luke Joeckel that was getting all the attention. A year later, and the Texas A&M Aggies have three intriguing offensive draft picks that will all most likely go in the first round of May's draft. Johnny Manziel, Mike Evans, and Matthews were just a few reasons why this offense was so dynamic in 2013. Let's take a look at eDraft's official scouting report on the prospect.
 

Strengths

Quick off the snap: Matthews is rarely beaten off the edge by his opponents. That is something that is valuable for the NFL because there are a ton of athletic pass rushers who try to beat blindside tackles around the edge. Matthews is quick, and he won't allow you to beat him by speed.

Mauler in the running game: Matthews is a mauler in the running game, and he isn't afraid to lower his shoulder when he gets around the edge. In the NFL, tackles who are above-average in the passing game and in the running game tend to stay in the league longer.

Terrific bloodlines: His cousin, Clay, is a sack artist for the Green Bay Packers. His father, Clay Jr., was a four-time Pro Bowler during his 19-year career for the Cleveland Browns. His uncle, Bruce, is an NFL Hall of Famer. Jake will become the next one in this family to become special in the NFL.


Weaknesses

Heavy feet when moving laterally: When he is moving from side to side, Matthews seems a little slow. He is athletic, but he needs to do a better job of shuffling his feet.

Frame: At only 310 pounds, Matthews is a little small for the left tackle position in the NFL. Although there are many tackles in the NFL who thrive at being undersized, Matthews needs to bulk up to level out his weight with his skillset.


NFL Comparison: Matt Kalil, Minnesota Vikings

Matthews and Kalil play extremely similar. They are both athletic, and they both move pretty well. Matthews will not blow opposing defensive ends, but he is smart and he can simply bully defenders on the edge.


Draft Outlook

At this point of the pre-draft process, Matthews is basically a lock to go in the top ten. He may have taken a backseat to Greg Robinson, but Matthews still has the potential to be perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL. Not many believe he won't be a terrific blindside tackle in the NFL.


Best Fits

I look at a team like the Oakland Raiders who could draft Matthews. Although they signed Donald Penn, it would still be wise to bring in a player of Matthew's talents.

Other possible fits include the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and the Buffalo Bills.

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