OT Jake Matthews, Sr, Texas A&M

Measurables: 6’5” 310 lbs                

Strengths:

• Son of Bruce Matthews, and looks to be as gifted as his father
• Three and a half year starter, at both right and left tackle
• A better prospect than former teammate Luke Joeckel who went 2nd overall last year
• Good footwork and quickness to get to the edge
• Has played in both pro style and spread attacks at the collegiate level
• Is very strong in the run game as he is physical enough to bury defenders
• Plays with good leverage and a strong anchor
• Excellent pass protector who has a good feel for the game
• Great punch to keep defenders off balance
• Has excelled versus SEC defenses, including a number of NFL caliber pass rushers these past two seasons

Weaknesses:

• Doesn’t have as much feet quickness as most elite left tackle prospects
• Needs to be more quick to the 2nd level at times
• Consistency has been an issue at times

Analysis:

Matthews not only brings excellent bloodlines to the table but will have started for over 3 ½ years, the last two of which have been in the ultra-tough SEC. He’s faced off versus numerous NFL caliber ends and linebackers and has passed with flying colors.

Matthews is a physical specimen, who grades out well in every area you look for in a lineman. If he gets his hands on a defender the play is basically over, as he can manhandle most opponents.

The one slight concern some have with him is he doesn’t have the quickest feet on par with other top tackles. While you may get him with a speed rush every now and then, it’s not a big enough concern for teams to drop Matthews down their boards at all.

He’s probably a better run blocker than pass blocker, but that more speaks to how elite he is in run blocking than a negative towards his pass blocking. Matthews has a firm anchor and uses a strong hand punch to knock defenders off their path to the quarterback.

Matthews is one of the most pro ready prospects in this draft. Not only does he have an extremely high ceiling, but his floor is high as well. He’s one of the safest picks a team can make this upcoming May and he should hear his name called in the top 5 picks.