The quarterback position is widely regarded as the most important in all of football. Just how far your team goes all depends on the competency of your field general.
So when the Atlanta Falcons took Boston College's Matt Ryan, widely regarded as the only "blue chip" quarterback available in the draft, with the third overall pick, it appeared the problem was solved. Not so fast.
While the pick is good in the sense that the team is moving on and putting a new face on the franchise over the shamed one of former star Michael Vick, there are risks involved with drafting a quarterback early in the first round. The Texans and Bengals know all about that.
Here are a few reasons why the Falcons should've gone in another direction:
No. 1: Offensive Line
The Falcons line is regarded as one of the worst in the NFL. The Falcons didn't do much to improve that line aside from adding USC OT Sam Baker at the tail end of the first round. Now, allow me to interject some common sense here. A quarterback cannot do his job if he's constantly on his back. It doesn't matter how talented the quarterback is, as David Carr showed in his tumultuous stay with the Texans.
The line in Atlanta is in no condition to keep Ryan on his feet as it is full of young, unproven talent and aging veterans. The Falcons had better hope that Ryan will take the hits and thrive because he's going to get hit a lot.
No. 2: Wide Receivers
This is another issue the Falcons have been battling. While the talent is certainly there in the form of Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, the production is not. Well, unless you count Joe Horn who is aging and has lost about six steps.
Jenkins and White have the natural ability to succeed but have shown a penchant for dropping catchable passes and losing concentration. Not good for a rookie quarterback who will be trying to build his confidence in a new league.
Another issue is the release of tight end Alge Crumpler. Crumpler was considered one of the better pass catching tight ends in the game and could've been a safety valve for the developing Ryan. Instead, Ben Hartsock will be on the field, mostly as a blocker.
No. 3: History
History shows that taking quarterbacks early in the first round is a very risky venture. Since 2000, only a handful of first round quarterbacks have thrived: Vick (for a short time, more so as a runner), Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger. There have also been a few solid guys like Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers and Jason Campbell. But the first round is littered with busts like David Carr, J.P. Losman, Kyle Boller, Joey Harrington, Patrick Ramsey, etc.
Most of the latter quarterbacks walked into unfavorable situations and had their confidence destroyed. It's no wonder they failed.
In my opinion, the Falcons had three other viable options with the third pick: take either LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, take USC DT Sedrick Ellis or trade the pick to someone who wanted McFadden or Dorsey.
Ryan was a great player in college, but I just don't think a quarterback can build confidence and succeed while he's being plastered to the turf.
Time will be the judge. Let's hope Ryan isn't laid to rest in the NFL Draft Bust cemetery.
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2 months ago
Well Ryan, while the success of 1st round QB's hasn't been great in the draft what else could the Falcons do?
You have to look at what they have 'in the stable' so to speak. Now given the nature of the free-agent market on linemen and receivers you would think it is much easier to address those needs short term than than it would be to pick up a QB on the market. (you seem to have totally ignored free agency in your piece).
DJ Hackett, Issac Bruce, among other quality receivers were available.
QB's, hard to come by.
Look at who the Falcons have on their roster at QB:
Chris Redman: didn’t play for 3 seasons prior to getting picked up by the Falcons for the 07 season. Showed some promise with a 90.4 rating in 4 starts; 10TDs 5picks. Maybe this is a short term answer but I doubt that he’s the long term answer at QB.
Joey Harrington: complied a 77.2 QB rating in 10 starts with 7TD’s and 8INTs; obviously NOT the answer.
Leftwich: 59.4 rating 1 TD 2 Picks. Please, this isn’t the guy.
The way it looks to me, Atlanta's BEST shot was to take a chance on Ryan.
Hate to say it but you could make the exact same argument for any position in the NFL related to the draft. The chances of "making it" are very slim regardless of what position you play.
Heck look down the list of #1 draftees and see how many jump off the page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NFL_first_overall_draft_choices
The Mannings, Williams looks like he's starting to mature. Otherwise, nothing to write home about.
The whole process involves taking a risk. The one thing that Falcon fans wouldn't want to see is Ryan in another jersey in a couple years in the Pro Bowl knowing they could have had him.
2 months ago
You certainly make good points but I guess I just feel that winning teams are built in the trenches. I think they'd be in the same boat if they had Dorsey or Ellis or whomever. Again, there's not necessarily a "fault" for taking Ryan, as it was the best move from a marketing stand point as well, but I think that it could severely hinder Ryan to play behind such a porous team (assuming he starts).
2 months ago
I would say that this draft was pretty weak with regard to QB's and Ryan did not warrant a top 3 pick. With all the help the Falcons need Dorsey should have been the pick. But since they chose Ryan he needs to sit one full season to help develop him because he is hard from polished
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