2013 Redskins Bubble Player: Kevin Matthews

After three seasons, Kevin Matthews is still known more for his NFL bloodlines than for anything he has accomplished in the league. He is the son of Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews and the cousin of current Packers star linebacker Clay Matthews. Kevin started his career off in Tennessee as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He spent most of that year on the practice squad, but did get called up to the active roster towards the end of the season and ended up starting one game. He was on the roster for all sixteen games the following season in 2011, but was inactive for all but one and never made it on to the field. Last year, he saw action in fourteen games playing at guard and center and had two starts.

The Redskins signed him as a free agent in May to see if he could provide competition and depth at the center position, as he has some familiarity playing in the zone blocking scheme from his days at Texas A & M. Most scouting reports on the 6'3", 302lbs offensive lineman indicate he is smart with quick feet and athleticism, but will not overpower anyone. Will Montgomery is entrenched as the starter on the current depth chart and Matthews is listed as the primary backup. He has been solid, yet unspectacular, so far in training camp and did not make any glaring mistakes in the first preseason game against his old team, the Titans.

On Wednesday of this week, starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger took some reps away from him at center with the second team when they were on the field, which does not seem to be a good sign as 90 players all jostle for 53 spots. Matthews' prior experience playing special teams, guard and center with the Titans would seemingly give him an advantage, as coaches love flexibility. Tennessee let Matthews walk, however, because they did not feel he had progressed enough in three years to hold on to him. He has gotten a fresh start in Washington, but how long it lasts will be determined in the next few weeks.