Rams To Meet With Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews Friday

Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Jake Matthews speaks during a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

During the combine teams get 60 15-minute interviews with any player of their choice. One of those 60 players that the Rams have decided to interview is Texas A&M’s offensive tackle Jake Matthews.

The interview between the two parties is scheduled for Friday and will most likely just be a general interview to see if Matthews’ personality would be a good fit on the Rams as the skill set is obviously there.

Matthews has a lot to prove this weekend at the combine as Auburn’s Greg Robinson has surpassed him on many draft boards as the draft’s best offensive tackle. A solid combine could change that  and prove that he is worth a top five pick or even a top three pick. In an interview session on Thursday Matthews said,

"“Being considered a polished player and someone who has done well and played well, I take that as a big honor,” Matthews said. “But at the same time, I still feel like there’s a lot I can get better at. I definitely wouldn’t say I’m at my peak. I think there’s a lot more I can learn, a lot more I can get better at so it’s one of those things that is motivating me. I’m just trying to come out here and put up good numbers and prove that I am capable of being the best lineman here.”"

Jeff Fisher and Les Snead have never taken an offensive tackle in the first round of any draft, but an interview could definitely mean that they are open to the idea especially given the connection between Matthews and Fisher.

The former Tennessee Titans head coach was in charge when Jake’s dad and Hall of Famer,Bruce Matthews, played for the Oilers/Titans.

"“I knew him a little bit, not too well,” Matthews said. “Obviously my dad played for him, I know he’s got a great relationship with him. I was just a kid running around when my dad was playing. I know him but not really too well. There is that connection for sure but I would love to play for him.”"

Although Fisher and Snead have never drafted an offensive tackle in the first round, it certainly would make sense for the team as they could lost a number of their offensive line in the offseason including Rodger Saffold. Not to mention the team may or may not have Jake Long at the beginning of the 2014 season.

It is thought that the Rams will trade back from the number two spot as it would certainly make sense. The Rams could still trade back to around the fourth and sixth overall picks and still have a good chance at drafting Robinson, Matthews, or even Watkins. What direction the Rams do go, has yet to be determined.