We have seen a ton of rumors not come to fruition for Atlanta in this NFL Draft, though it seems there were some attempts to move up. However, one selection the Falcons made predictable just a week ago was center Matt Hennessy. This came to fruition on Wednesday, as he was selected 78th overall.
Hennessy is a converted tackle that put on an absolute at the NFL Combine for his size, demonstrating incredible lateral quickness. However, the former Owl is not just some Combine star. He is a stud lineman who is ready to take his talents to the next level.
In 2018, Pro Football Focus recorded Hennessy as having allowed pressure on just 0.6-percent of his active snaps, which was good for the best mark in the entire FBS. That season he did not surrender a sack and allowed just two pressures. With that being said, he had an average grade of 70.4 as a run blocker. Hennessy was eye-popping once again in his redshirt junior season. I am sure Atlanta thinks that he could slot in at left guard, and hopefully become a starting center down the road.
Hennessy is a technician that likely would have received a lot more clout during the draft process if he went to a bigger school. He establishes excellent body position in the run game, using his bend and quickness to improve in that area. For a pass-happy team in Atlanta that has some of the best weapons in the sport, this was an excellent pick. He is regarded as a tough and smart player as well, so the intangibles check out. I like his chances against Atlanta’s internal options at left guard when he gets to training camp.
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