Falcons pick image over substance with Ryan

By Jim Ralabate PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

Most teams enter the NFL draft seeking to address "team needs." That phrase took on added meaning this year for the Atlanta Falcons.

Fresh off the most embarrassing season in franchise history, the Falcons began turning the page Saturday, selecting quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick in the draft.

It was a choice that likely will be scrutinized in many football circles, as the Falcons passed up on Glenn Dorsey - widely considered the best defensive tackle to enter the NFL in over a decade.

But for Atlanta, this particular draft needed to produce more than just a talented player. For the Falcons, the decision to choose Ryan constituted a face-lift for a team in desperate need of one.

"Matt is a franchise future quarterback for us," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We are really excited about having him on board. He brings leadership, intelligence, major skills on the field."

Atlanta picked Ryan almost exactly one year after police discovered a dogfighting complex on property owned by Michael Vick, who singlehandedly railroaded the Falcons courtesy of his year-long legal saga.

One year and one 4-12 season later, Vick is in the midst of a 23-month prison sentence while the Falcons are in the midst of a major rebuilding project revolved around Ryan.

Projected by most scouts as the top quarterback available in the draft, Ryan essentially was a one-man show at Boston College. A two-time captain in college, Ryan passed for more than 4,500 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, carrying the Eagles to an 11-3 record.

Aside from those terrific numbers, Ryan reeled in the Falcons because of his poise, leadership and character - something that was in short supply in Atlanta during the Vick Era.

"(Ryan) has outstanding character and we're real excited about him coming," Falcons first-year coach Mike Smith said. "We all know Matt and what he's been able to do.

"I said in the beginning that we wanted to have passionate guys. Matt is a very passionate football player."

The Falcons will need their players to exhibit a lot more than just passion if they want to quickly rebound from last year's last-place finish.

The rebuilding process on the field could take years, as Atlanta will attempt to overhaul its offensive and defensive lines while acclimating Ryan to the pro game.

On the other hand, the healing process off the field was expedited by the acquisition of Ryan, whose squeaky-clean persona will be well-accepted in an Atlanta community largely divided by Vick.

"I think the organization has made a commitment to bring in high-character people, and I'm glad to be a part of that," Ryan said. "As far as being involved in the Atlanta community, I think it was always something that was important to me while I was at Boston College - being involved, being out there and trying to reach out and help.

"I don't think that will change in Atlanta. I'm excited to be down here, to get to know new people and becoming involved in different people's lives."

Only time will tell whether or not the Falcons made the right football choice in taking Ryan over Dorsey.

But in terms of public relations, Atlanta belted a long-overdue home run.

"I'm really excited about being here in Atlanta," Ryan said. "I'd like to thank Mr. (Arthur) Blank and his family, Thomas Dimitroff, coach Smith and everyone associated with the Falcons for giving me this opportunity."