Ryan says he's a good fit for Falcons

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/25/08

New York — Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, nattily dressed, sat behind a small table at this pre-NFL draft media event at Chelsea Piers. He answered questions about playing for the Falcons. He seemed to have little idea how possibly being selected No. 3 overall by Atlanta is a painful reminder of why he's even being considered as the Falcons' next franchise quarterback.

It was exactly a year ago that Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was here on the eve of the NFL draft, proclaiming his non-involvement in a dogfighting operation police had just discovered at his home in Virginia at the infamous 1915 Moonlight Road address. Vick's then-plea of innocence to the public and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell turned out to be a confessed lie that ended with him in prison and suspended from the league.

The Falcons, in turn, were left in shambles and in search of Vick's replacement. Could the rangy kid out of New England be that guy?

"I think I stack up well," Ryan said. "I'm confident in my abilities."

Ryan (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) is projected as the top quarterback in the draft. He started 32 games, completing nearly 60 percent of his throws for 9,313 yards and 56 touchdowns. He's also thrown 37 interceptions — 19 as a senior.

There are a variety of opinions of whether he's significantly better than prospects Brian Brohm (Louisville), Chad Henne (Michigan) or Joe Flacco (Delaware), who've been pegged as late first-round or early-to-middle second-round picks.

There has been discussion among the Falcons' decision-makers whether they should make a play for Ryan.

If not, they could draft a player at another position with the third selection (possibly LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey). They could trade down, draft a non-quarterback, collect additional picks and use one of their choices — they enter the draft with 11 — on Brohm, Henne, Flacco or maybe Kentucky's Andre Woodson.

"It's part of the position that you play," Ryan said about speculation on his draft fate. "There's always a lot of attention given to the quarterback position. You're always in the limelight. Being at the top end of the draft or being considered at the top end of the draft is probably why there's a lot of attention given to [trade talk]. Whether it ends up a trade or regular pick, it will be pretty exciting."

Ryan said he came away impressed with his recent meeting with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, coach Mike Smith, offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and team owner Arthur Blank. Ryan, as well as Dorsey, said Blank was the only team owner to take part in interviews with them.

Ryan's interpretation of Blank's involvement: "It shows that they were considering me, but at the end of the day you just don't know. Maybe it's good, maybe it's bad."

The Falcons' decision will be made easier when St. Louis, which holds the No. 2 pick, makes its choice (Miami already signed Michigan tackle Jake Long with the No. 1 pick). The Rams reportedly have narrowed their choice to Dorsey and Virginia defensive end Chris Long.

If the Rams take Long, Atlanta could pounce on Dorsey. If St. Louis takes Dorsey, the Falcons could select Ryan or pursue trade options.

"The draft is a funny thing," Ryan said. "Not many people give you information as to what's going on. A lot of things depend on what shakes out early in the draft, who goes to which team and how certain things are going to play out. I wish I had a better feel for it, but your guess is as good as mine."

Again, I will say this: If Dorsey is gone, Ryan is a Falcon unless we get an offer we can't refuse. It's cut and dry in my book at this point in time. First Dorsey, next Ryan. Some might not like it, but that's the way it is. I cooled on the Ryan bashing a long time ago because I realized it's down to these two guys and I've already accepted the fact that there's a very good chance he'll be a Falcon.

Yeah I know, but I will still say I'm hoping for the trade-down. But if we DO draft him, I won't whine..much.. Our options @ 3 are kinda limited at that point so....

to Matt Ryan...

What would you expect him to say? "No, I think the Falcons as a team and especially the O-line is so fucked that no QB would survive behind center."

I'm with Iowa, trade down for more picks. Great teams are built through the draft. I would rather start a core of young O-lineman who will become a solid unit versus one or two guys who are thrown in there and told, " Don't let them kill our Franchise QB!"

I would love to trade down in that situation, or even take Chris Long. If we are seriously in rebuilding mode, I'd rather take the safer better player than reach for a QB.

But if they take...Matty Ice (have trouble saying that without gritting my teeth), I'll jump on board...with a wary eye.

Edit: I was listening to one of the afternoon drive shows yesterday, and they were talking to one of the main guys who sets the lines in Vegas. He and his company had Brohm as the clear #1. Just thought that was interesting.

Oh, and props to Marcellus Wiley for not falling into the groupthink tank. I really like that guy on NFL live.

I`m starting to think the Rams are bluffing about selecting Dorsey.
Them knowing the Falcons want him are trying to make a coup.
IMO just stand tight and there is a goood chance Dorsey will be there for the taking.

I would much rather have Brian Brohm. Hope they trade down if Dorsey is gone.

No way Ryan is a Falcon NOOOOOOOOO way.

Why?

Doesnt he have a Chad Pennington arm?

I think, he proved himself to be a bit of a system QB.
When his system changed he did not adapt real well.