Falcons NFL Draft Profile: Breaking Down Center Matt Hennessy

The Falcons took an offensive lineman in the third round that should be the long-term starter at center in Matt Hennessy.

The Atlanta Falcons needed a tough, competitive, athletic center to replace Alex Mack when he retires in a year or two. Matt Hennessy out of Temple was the Falcons’ third round pick, and he’s the perfect fit for Atlanta as a center who could also compete at left guard in 2020 and potentially win.

Combine/Pro Day Measurables

Hennessy has great size as a 6-foot-4, 307-pound center. But when you go down and compare him to Alex Mack as an athlete, the entire profile screams a carbon copy. It’s insane how close they are athletically. The Falcons got a really good athlete with great size. He could slot right in at left guard or center at his profile.

Stats

2019: 12 Games Started at center

2018: 11 Games Started at center

2017: 12 Games Started at center

2016: 1 Game Started at left guard, 2 Games Played at left guard

Hennessy has a ton of experience at center in Division I FBS and that should translate well to the NFL. The Falcons will love having someone with his pedigree who could also compete at left guard after red-shirting as a true freshman left guard and practicing in the role at Temple.

Highlights

How does he fit on the field?

As a rookie, Matt Hennessy should be in the starting left guard competition. He’s got the size, strength, speed and technique to be a winner at the position. He’s a true center, but he can play either right or left guard. Adding him to Alex Mack and Chris Lindstrom on the interior could really give the Falcons that push in the middle of the offensive line to create a real running game for once.

He’s a very mobile left guard projection for Atlanta who fits in well with the outside and inside zone running game that the team likes to use. The biggest beneficiaries of this selection though aren’t Jake Matthews or Mack, it’s Matt Ryan and Todd Gurley. They should have more time to make plays. The Falcons really knocked this pick out of the park.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Hennessy was a team captain for the Temple Owls. He was one of Geoff Collins’ favorite recruits through the years and was always utilized as a leader in the locker room. When Alex Mack retires, the Falcons will have to replace his locker-room presence. For now, though, Hennessy can learn from one of the best and continue to be one of the hardest workers on the team.

How does he fit into the long-term plans for the Falcons?

It’s obvious. For now, he will compete at left guard. But once Alex Mack wants to retire, the Falcons will use him as the long-term center. He’ll be tasked with leading the offensive line and helping with line calls. Hennessy learning next to his mentor as a rookie should be the move, though. His production could really take the offense to the next level.

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