Jake Rodgers to Atlanta Falcons: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Atlanta Falcons potentially just took their starting left guard in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft when they picked Jake Rodgers out of Eastern Washington. Rodgers projects best as a tackle within the Falcons' scheme under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

Rodgers showed versatility when he was in college playing all over the offensive line. Atlanta should have Rodgers compete with Sam Baker and Lamar Holmes for the swing tackle role during his first season with potential to have him start later.

On the Field

Jake Rodgers is a quick, agile offensive tackle who has trouble with speed rushers off the edge. His ideal fit within the Falcons' zone-blocking scheme is probably at guard, but he'll wind up at tackle due to his length and footwork, which he has shown to have as positives.

He's not the most technically sound player, as he needs to get stronger at the point of attack. He has a tendency to get jerked back off the line due to not setting his base properly. The Falcons would have a project in Rodgers upon whom they really need to improve.

Rodgers would have to compete with Sam Baker and Lamar Holmes for a swing tackle role, but that would essentially be a reserve right tackle role due to the talent that Ryan Schraeder has. Rodgers won't be a starting offensive tackle for the Falcons, but he does look like a talented reserve.

Off the Field

Rodgers suffered the loss of his father when he was in college. His father collapsed at the end of a game and had to be rushed to the hospital due to cardiac arrest. The massive tackle played tough every play in college and has a nastiness to him.

Rodgers showed that he's a hard worker and team leader throughout his time at Eastern Washington and Washington State. The talented lineman was a team captain when he was in high school, too. Atlanta will love how he fits in the locker room.

Why Jake Rodgers instead of Ben Koyack or Takoby Cofield?

The Falcons needed to at the very least select some depth for their offensive line. However, with the value of Ben Koyack or Takoby Cofield sitting there, why did the Falcons reach a bit for Jake Rodgers? It could be as simple as going with offensive line over other positions.

Koyack would have been a better pick in terms of just raw overall value. The Falcons needed a tight end who could fit the Shanahan offense better than what they currently have. However, there might be questions about Koyack's receiving abilities.

Cofield is just a better player than Rodgers. Atlanta needed to get someone extremely athletic and wound up getting someone who's just kind of athletic for the spot. There were better players available, but they must see something in Rodgers that they like better.

For more information on Jake Rodgers, check out Chad Dinkins' scouting report on him.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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