Five players Falcons may choose

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/24/08

Five players the Falcons could select with their first pick in Saturday's NFL draft.

IF THEY KEEP NO. 3 OVERALL PICK

• Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: Ryan can make all the throws for NFL quarterback and he has shown leadership. He thoroughly impressed the Falcons' brass in interviews. Ryan likely wouldn't play much this season but Atlanta needs a long-term answer at quarterback.

• Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: Dorsey could have the most immediate impact of any player in the draft — especially for Atlanta. If Dorsey is available when the Falcons select, it will be hard for GM Thomas Dimitroff to bypass him. He could pay huge dividends Jamaal Anderson and Keith Brooking.

IF THEY TRADE DOWN

• Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC: Taking Ellis at No. 3 would be a major surprise so the Falcons likely would only make this move if they traded down. Like Dorsey, Ellis is a fierce competitor against the run and pass and he could make life easier for the other 10 defenders around him.

• Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia: Albert is a sleeper but a player who is moving up draft boards. Like Ellis, the Falcons wouldn't take him at No. 3, but if they trade back a few spots, Albert's versatility to play guard or tackle and his upside are very appealing.

• Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy: Atlanta would love to land this Waycross product. Not only is he considered the best cover corner and one of the more physical players at his position, but McKelvin is a Devin Hester-like return man. Should the Falcons trade down, McKelvin could be their target.

If Dorsey is gone and we can't trade down, just call Ellis' name!

I'd be happy w/most of that, really any of it if Ryan doesn't get picked at #3.

Also, McKelvin - he's a first rounder? How far are we talking trading down to get him? I kinda thought w/all the other needs they'd wait until rd. 2-3 to get a CB.

that would be nice, really nice, but i would rather have ghoulston

McKelvin is a top shelf corner which is a Falcon need and he is close to a Deven Hester type kick return man. :)