Jake Matthews Drafted by Atlanta Falcons: Latest News, Reaction and Analysis

Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews has been touted as perhaps the safest prospect in the 2014 NFL draft, and there is no doubt the Atlanta Falcons are hoping it's true after taking him with the No. 7 overall pick.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora indicated the news:

While offensive linemen don't always make for the sexiest draft picks, they are often capable of making an immediate impact. Based on Matthews' polish and overall body of work, he has all the makings of a starter from Day 1.

Matthews has paved his own way, but his bloodlines seemingly made his career choice a foregone conclusion. Matthews is the son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, who started 293 games for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans franchise and was named to 14 Pro Bowls.

Bruce obviously created a huge legacy for Jake to live up to, but even if Jake is only a fraction as good as his father was, he will have a fantastic NFL career.

Matthews accrued 46 starts in four seasons with the Aggies, and he earned First-Team AP All-American honors as a senior. He was a model of consistency, and he was a huge driving force behind the success of quarterback Johnny Manziel.

He has ideal size at 6'5" and 308 pounds, and there seemingly isn't a single hole in his game. He tested extremely well at the NFL Scouting Combine, particularly in the agility workouts, as he was among the best offensive linemen in terms of the vertical jump and three-cone drill.

At the conclusion of the 2013 season, Matthews seemed to be in direct competition with South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney in terms of being the top prospect in the 2014 draft class. Matthews certainly didn't do anything to hurt his stock, but a handful of players were able to pass him by.

That fact was vexing to many talent evaluators leading up to the draft. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller was shocked at the lack of hype surrounding him:

Offensive linemen don't necessarily have stats that people can pore over, so it is easy for them to get lost in the shuffle. Also, while it wouldn't be fair to call Matthews boring, he was so solid and consistent that it was almost as if he wasn't even there at times with the Aggies.

In fact, Matthews was so consistent at Texas A&M that there seemingly isn't a single scout who has anything bad to say about him as an NFL prospect.

In fact, NFL Network's Gil Brandt called him the best all-around prospect in the 2014 draft from top to bottom:

Perhaps Matthews' ceiling isn't as high as some of the other top prospects in terms of dominating games, but he showed on many occasions throughout his collegiate career that he is capable of neutralizing elite pass-rushers.

With the passing game being more important than ever at the NFL level, Matthews' propensity for shutting down star defensive ends and rush linebackers will definitely come in handy.

According to Greg A. Bedard of The MMQB, Matthews has all of the tools necessary to be great in the NFL, and there isn't much downside to his overall game:

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Matthews also has much to like, including technique, a mind for the game, his temperament and athletic ability. He really only lacks strength, and that should come in time. There's little question he could play left tackle quickly in the NFL. You can make a convincing argument that Matthews is a better prospect than former Aggie teammate Luke Joeckel, who was taken second overall last year.

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Although it isn't as if many teams passed over Matthews in the 2014 draft, those who did may very well come to regret it. There is no reason why Matthews can't be a top-level lineman in the NFL for 15 years, and that is something every franchise clamors for. Matthews will enter a talent-laden Falcons squad and help Matt Ryan remain upright.

Every draft prospect carries some risk because there are always unknowns, but it's difficult to envision Matthews falling flat. At worst, Matthews should at least be a viable starting right tackle in the league, while his ceiling is that of an All-Pro left tackle.  

This selection may not have many people talking in the coming weeks and months, but it will inevitably be looked back upon as a great one.

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