Atlanta Falcons Draft Offensive Lineman Jake Matthews

WABE’s Rose Scott reports.

Broadcast version of this story.

Jake Matthews’ job description is pretty simple.

He must protect Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

Last season, that task was a problem for the team’s offensive line.

And that was apparent in the Dec. 29^th game against division rival the Carolina Panthers.

Ryan was sacked, not once, not twice, not even three times, but nine times.

In fact, Matt Ryan was sacked forty-four times in the 2013 season.

So, when it was time for the Falcons to draft their first player, grabbing an offensive lineman wasn’t a surprise.

Matthews is 6 foot 5 and weighs just a tad over 3-hundred lbs.

The offensive lineman played football at Texas A&M University

Protecting the quarterback is a family affair for Jake Matthews.

His grandfather, Clay Matthews Sr. and father, Bruce Matthews both played on the offensive line.

Bruce Matthews is in the pro football hall of fame.

And Jake’s cousins are also in the league.

But pedigree is just one aspect that makes Jake a perfect fit for the Falcons says General manager Thomas Dimtroff.

“Jake was born and raised to be a legitimate tackle in this football league. And that’s a really good thing and that’s something that we really focus on. He’s a very smart football player. He’s a smart individual and he’s been trained from the day, day he was young to play in the league in that position.”

Brian Jones covers the Falcons for Score Atlanta sports media.

He says Jake Matthews skill set is what the Falcons need.

“He’s a great pass blocker. He’s very good with the run. He’s quick with his feet. He was blocking for a quarterback that was not a traditional drop back passer, who tends to run a lot so, you have to be quick on your feet.”

The learning curve for Jake Matthews begins immediately; the rookie offensive lineman is expected to be a starter.