Cliff

Matthews

Matthews, a 2011 seventh-round pick, is listed at 268 pounds by the team’s official website. He doesn’t need to get much bigger, as the Falcons don’t boast heavy defensive tackles -- starters Peria Jerry and Jonathan Babineaux weigh less than 290. Atlanta drafted two defensive ends this year, so Matthews is just making himself more versatile in order to secure a roster spot.

The Falcons fully expect Abraham to suit up in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, but he could be limited to a situational pass-rushing role. That would leave Matthews, a 2011 seventh-round pick with zero career starts and six career tackles under his belt, to pick up the slack again. It’s an area for the Niners to attack.

The Bucs are beginning the process of getting down to the 53-man roster limit. Reedy caught a touchdown pass in the preseason finale Wednesday.

A special teamer, Matthews played just 80 snaps on defense last season. DiMarco saw 214 snaps as a lead blocker, and was ineffective. Neither player will be guaranteed a roster spot in training camp.

Matthews is 6-foot-4, 257 with 34-inch arms and decent production (15.5 career sacks, 26 tackles for loss). He’s not an exceptional athlete, but is considered a relentless, effort pass rusher with toughness, having played through numerous injuries at South Carolina. Matthews doesn’t have great upside, but it’s not crazy to think he could work his way into the rotation in year one.

Matthews racked up 144 total tackles, including 16.0 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss over four season at South Carolina. A borderline NFL athlete, he’ll start his career on special teams.