With the 78 overall selection, the Atlanta Falcons selected Temple Center Matt Hennessy.
Hennessy, who made 12 starts last season for the Owls, was named a 3rd-Team AP All-American, 1st-Team American Athletic Conference, and was a finalist for the Remington Trophy. During his career at Temple, Hennessy started in 35 games.
Scouting Report
There is a possibility that Hennessy could play left tackle in the NFL, as he played that position in of high school. He also started three games at left tackle his freshman year at Temple. One of Hennessy’s best abilities is the way he works through double teams. He holds his ground and delays the blitzers.
His biggest difficulty going into the NFL will be his size. He is undersized for a center, at 6-4, 307 pounds. Hennessy will definitely need to add some weight if he wants to compete with pro level defensive tackles. He won’t muscle guys around, but he can dig his feet into the ground and use his posture to protect any quarterback. The combine did not see him produce eye-popping numbers, he had 23 bench press reps, and ran a 5.18 40 yard dash.
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What the Analysts Say
Matt Hennessy is a savvy center prospect who projects as a plug and play starter on the inside. Hennessy’s skillful leveraging will anchor the run game in both gap and zone concepts and his foot speed and low pads will afford him effective pass protection efforts to control the heart of the pocket. Polished, tenacious and mobile — exactly what you’re looking for in a starter at the next level. He’s not a bruiser but he’ll drop anchor and wins consistently against heavy handed defenders. -Kyle Crabbs TheDraftNetwork
Three-year starter who uses hand placement, leverage and athletic ability to make up for his lack of mass and length. He’s patient to center blocks and runs his feet to lock in and begin sustaining. He has the lateral quickness and body control to reach, pull and stay connected to blocks on the move. He has issues with timing blocks up to linebackers, but that should be correctable. Below-average physical traits could limit his suitors, but scheme fits will like the movement and intangibles he brings to the table. He has early backup, eventual starter potential. -Lance Zierlein NFL Network
Team Fit
Matt Hennessy will be battling with Alex Mack in training camp for the starting position. Mack is getting older and this could be a pick to replace him in the future. Mack missed weeks 14-17 because of “veteran rest”. Hennessy can also fill in at left tackle for Matt Gono. He could possibly be a safe pick for them that can fill in at multiple spots on the line.