The Atlanta Falcons drafted Matt Hennessy out of Temple University in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hennessy played center at Temple, and that's where his future will likely be in the NFL, but given the Falcons have Pro Bowl center Alex Mack under contract for one more year, Hennessy will start out playing left guard.
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Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Hennessy will compete for the starting role with Justin McCray, Matt Gono, Jamon Brown and James Carpenter.
Get to know more about one of the newest members on the Falcons' roster:
Hennessy brothers take the NFL
Thomas Hennessy, Matt's older brother, is currently the long-snapper for the New York Jets.
After his four-year career at Duke, Hennessy signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and was traded to the New York Jets a few months later. Hennessy signed a four-year extension with the Jets in October.
Tough as nails
Hennessy was awarded the No. 3 jersey at Temple as part of the long-standing tradition that awards single-digit jerseys to the team's toughest players, voted upon by the team. Due to the fact offensive linemen have restrictions on what numbers they have to wear, he wore a No. 3 sticker on his helmet.
Finalist for the nation's top center award
Hennessy was one of the three finalists for the Rimington Trophy for his play in his senior season.
The third-round pick allowed zero sacks and four total pressures for a pressure rate of 0.8 percent, which was No. 1 among his position in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus.
Earned a finance degree
Hennessy earned a degree in finance in three years while boasting a 3.69 GPA at Temple.
Hennessy was named the American Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2019.
Position versatility
When he arrived on Temple's campus, Hennessy's experience was mostly at left tackle, where he played in high school.
Hennessy's position was changed and he went on to be a three-year starter at center for the Owls.
As mentioned earlier, Hennessy will start his professional career playing left guard with the Falcons.
With the No. 78 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select Temple center Matt Hennessy.
(Courtesy of Temple University)
(Courtesy of Temple University)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
(Courtesy of Temple University)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Temple offensive lineman Matt Hennessy (58) walks onto the field before an NCAA football game against Bucknell at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine)
(Courtesy of Temple University)
(Courtesy of Temple University)
