Mark Bradley

By Matt

April 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I was very skeptical of Ryan and thought we should take a QB in the later rounds. But now I think he is our best bet.

By SquillDog

April 17, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Drafting a quarterback with a high first round pick isn’t worth the risk. Of course quarterbacks drafted that high have worked out just well. The problem lies in the fact that if you do draft a QB bust that high, you set your team back four to five years. You make such an investment in him, that you can’t afford to cut ties any time short of that. Drafting a Brohm, Flacco, or Henne with a second pick is much in line with the risk/reward factor. Not to mention the fact that over half the starting QBs in the league were NOT drafted in the first round. And some of the ones that were (Alex Smith, Rex Grossman) are exactly dazzling.

Build from the inside out. Any quarterback behind that O-line is going to take a beating. Fix the line AND THEN find the QB.

By Richard

April 17, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Wrong MB.

If they take a QB at 3, he’s just going to get demolished behind that offensive line. Redman/Harrington didn’t completely stink when they actually had time to throw. The Falcons need to have Jake Long at the top of their wish list. Don’t forget that 3 of the Super Bowls were won by a QB taken in round 6 and 4 Superbowls in the 80’s were won by a QB taken in round 3.

If the Falcons really want to take a QB in round 1 what they can and should do is trade up. They can trade their 37th and 48th overall picks to the Vikings for pick #17 (check the points chart and you’ll see it works out evenly) and get Brian Brohm (spare me the Louisville/Petrino connection). Or they can take Henne/Flacco/Booty later on. Need for a QB only applies if there isn’t a better option available. The draft needs to be about the player you’d bet your life on becomming a good player. Dorsey, and the two Long’s fit that description better than Ryan.

I also believe Ryan will be a solid QB, but the Falcons would be wise to pass. They have a ton of picks and can maneuver around with trades better than anyone.

By Jay

April 17, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Shut up, Mark Bradley.

By Mike

April 17, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I was too shying away from Matt Ryan. Not because of his ability but thinking that we might be able to get Dorsey. If we do take Ryan, I hope to god that we are able to protect him. Truth is it is very hard to win the superbowl without a good qb….is brohm good enough? I think so. Is ryan? yes to that too. Is what we have today good enough? Not likely.

By ChattanoogaDawg

April 17, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

The Falcons do NOT need to draft Matt Ryan! They need to work on the O Line/D Line first! They can pick up a quality guy like Joe Flacco in the second round. He is fully capable of coming in and taking over.

By Buddy

April 17, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Drafting Matt Ryan #1 would be totally stupid!!! If Dorsey is gone draft Mcfadden and have the best running backs in the NFC SOUTH!!! Also, this will increase ticket sells. Because we all know that not one falcons game will be shown this year on tv. They all will be BLACKED OUT!!! They can get a good QB in the 2nd or 3rd round.

By Kyle

April 17, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Your right Mark. I know we need lineman on both sides of the ball and thats where you win games when all is said and done and we still have enough draft picks to start addressing that in later rounds but you don’t pass on a guy like Ryan.

By Left to Right

April 17, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

The problem is that Mr. Bradley’s assertions aside, Ryan has not been evaluated as being that much better than 2 or 3 other QB’s in the draft. Indeed, many NFL evaluators consider Brohm the more “pro-ready” choice. And given the Falcons stated offensive desire to have a power running game, Chad Henne, who played in a power running game offense in college, might actually be the best “fit” for what the Falcons are trying to do. Either Brohm or Henne should be available when the Falcons pick at the top of the second round.

I won’t be upset with the Falcons taking Ryan at #3 IF both Dorsey and Jake Long are gone (which increasing appears to be a possibility).

By Rutuger

April 17, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I have to disagree here. We don’t need a quick fix, we need to construct a solid foundation, and I think that begins with the line (on both sides of the ball). Picking up Turner was a great move, and that should be our key offensive pickup of the year.

We now have to build up a nucleus of talent, and Dorsey looks like the perfect piece to begin with. Given our hideous run D of recent years, this would be an immediate boost.

Plus, we have entered an age where there is no need to spend a top pick on a QB. Successful QBs now be found second and later rounds, while first rounders often fail at the NFL level.

We can’t afford a gamble. Go with the most secure pick—Glenn Dorsey.

By MarkyMark

April 17, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan will be a 1stround bust. He played in the ACC, one of the weakest in the nation and still threw 17 ints.

By AUtiger

April 17, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

We do need a QB but taking one that high is too big of a risk. Plus this guy only had ONE decent season playing against subpar ACC talent.

We have too many holes to fill in the trenches and there are much safer picks in the draft.

I say the Falcons wait until for the 2009 or 2010 draft and take someone like Matthew Stafford or Tim Tebow.

By Mike

April 17, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Are you an idiot Bradley? Ryan in a year with absolutely any QB talent coming through at all would be a second round pick. Why the hell would the Falcons want to waste that much money on one of the most over-rated quarterbacks since RYan LEaf?

By Buddy

April 17, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

DRAFT MCFADDEN!!!! A GREAT RUNNING GAME IS A QB’s BEST FRIEND!!! TURNER AND MCFADDEN TOGETHER WOULD BE AWESOME!!!! THEY WILL BE A DEFENSIVE NIGHTMARE!!!!!

By chewyandrw

April 17, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

The Bradley Stamp of Approval??? That is like the Bill Clinton Medal for Fidelity or the Mike Hampton Award for Physical Conditioning. What a joke!!!

By Bias sport media need help

April 17, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

This guy is all hype the sports writer build these guys up every year! The speed of the game is much faster than these guy has every seen and they hit harder. All the sport writer are trying to sell there guy save your ink. Matt Ryan ain’t it. If he was all that beleive me the tuna would draft him.

They could draft all of this year QB’s in the 2nd and 3th round and save a ton of money. Glenn Dorsey is a game changer and the Bird nest will be glad they drafted him!

we need linemen real bad on both side of the ball. QB’s the sport writers will give you the same if not more hype next year whith that group watch and see!

By Dan

April 17, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

The game of football is won or lost on the line. We need serious upgrades on both sides. I would prefer to see Jake Long or Chris Long before Matt Ryan. Jamaal Anderson didn’t exactly excite anyone this year and the other guys are good but not great. I would rather take a chance on Chad Henne who has both talent and passion than waist a pick on another QB bust.

By Blank fan

April 17, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

But why draft a QB when we have REDMAN starting? He is the answer for the Falcons right? We all know that drafting an allstar Olineman is really going to be what puts fans in the seats.

I mean come on, think of all the Olineman that are household names in the NFL today…..oh wait, I cant think of any.

We need an Oline, but we also need a QB that can do more than handoff. We need Blank to work his magic, and put the spark in Atlanta Football teh same way he did on day 1. What was it that the players asked him to do first??? Put fans in the seats, I GUARANTEE names like Redman, and Long will not put fans in the seats.

By Ryder

April 17, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Good points everyone. What Bradley seems to forget is that Atlanta is not revolving their offense around the QB, just like Pittsburgh didn’t when they drafted Big Ben. He was simply a proficient guy who won when he didn’t have to throw more than 20 times a game, because Pittsburgh revolved around the run, which is exactly what Atlanta is going to do.

That said, it is imperative to build on both the offensive & defensive lines since they’re building their offense around Turner and Norwood. That’s why Atlanta is not looking for the gunslinger type QB that Ryan is going to be, since they aren’t tailoring the offense around him.

Henne is the best bet since he is used to playing in a pro-style offense like he was at Michigan. He knows how to let a RB take over the game and better yet there will be no pressure to bring him in from the get go.

I’m loving this Falcons’ regime, and I can’t wait for the draft!

By South GA Jaw Cracker

April 17, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

NOOOOO! Lineman only or I prefer we trade out of the spot.Vick is coming back in 09. Count on it. We do not need a QB and none of these excite me.

By Really?

April 17, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Admittedly, I haven’t convinced anyone to pay me for my opinion about football. That said, how is Matt Ryan the best “pure passer” you’ve ever seen? He had a TON of interceptions in the ACC, and about the only defense worthy of the name that he played against was VT’s. Lots of interceptions. Lots. It seems like everyone only fell in love with him after his final 2 minutes in the first VT game this season. It was hailed as his “Heisman moment”. I watched the WHOLE game, the rest of it was … politely … uninspiring. I’ve yet to see something that convinces me he is anything other than puff created by the football media who love his personality. How’s that working out for Brady Quinn? Flacco or Henne will be fine. The QBs coming out of college next year would be worth a high first round pick. This crop isn’t. Btw, nice work dodging the whole “Tom Brady” thing.

By Terrence

April 17, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

The Falcons have so many needs, I sincerely hope we can trade down. The Cowboys would love to have McFadden.

By jimmy

April 17, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

This is actually a pretty logical argument for taking Ryan in the first round. Nobody has mentioned the fact that the past 3 superbowl winners have been led by their first round picks at the qb position. It is a known fact that the falcons need a qb and they might have to take the risk by drafting ryan. With that said, I wouldn’t be upset if they got dorsey and then traded back into the 1st round to take Brohm.

By Someone Pinch Me

April 17, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I think I need to be pinched. Matt Ryan is simply not even close to the best pure passer I have ever seen. Does anyone actually believe he is a better passer than Tom Brady or Peyton Manning? Seriously Bradley, what were you thinking? He wasn’t good at BC, he was just sporadically lucky. That is why in all his brilliance, the “Best” QB in the ACC couldn’t even get them to the conference championship game once.

By Roswell Ed

April 17, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

O Line

D Line

By Jim H.

April 17, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I’m old enough to remember Bartkowski being demolished his first couple of seasons because of no blocking. After they finally established a decent offensive line Bart was a fine QB…..of course by then he had no cartilage in his knees and ended up playing the rest of his career as basically a cripple (severly shortening his career). They need to build the Offensive line first and then draft a QB. We gotta become competitive again before we even worry about whether or not we have an elite Super Bowl caliber QB.

By Lloyd

April 17, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Once again, you exhibit cluelessness.

By SportsTalk

April 17, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t Joey Harrington drafted #3 overall? Enough said!

By CarolinaJacket

April 17, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Olinemen do not put fans in the stadium, wins do. Teams don’t win without good offensive (and defensive) lines. A history lesson: Randy Johnson was the top college qb of his day. He could throw the hell out of the ball. Unfortunately, he was drafted by the brand new Falcons, who had a terrible oline. I had season tickets and watched Johnson get blasted week after week, until he was a shadow of who he was when he was signed. I hope the Falcons don’t make this mistake again.

By Bias sport media need help

April 17, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

2009 He will be back in the ATL at QB. I hear ticket sell are really down this year. Draft good linemen this how you build a team. If our new Gm does this he will build a winner. Watch Ticket sell next year! I did not call his name!

By Gunshy

April 17, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

The Giants did not win becasue of Eli Manning. They won in spite of him. They won because they had fabulous line play on both sides of the ball. The Falcons can and should employ thye same formula.

By No Dawgs Here

April 17, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

QB?? What?? NO!! The Falcon’s O-Line is awful!! Why draft a QB that high just to have him injured?? Take Jake Long.. Improve the O-line. There will be good QB’s available in the 2nd round.

By jcarson

April 17, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

If Ryan is not much better than the other QBs, why does Scouts Inc. (a very reputable group) show Ryan with a 98 rating and only 88-90 range for the other guys. He is clearly the top guy. Is he a reach at #3? Possibly. But reaching for a QB happens all the time, because they are so important. I understand the argument with building the lines (obviously the Falcons brass understands this, too), but if I’m spending $50 million on a player, I would like him to at least play the most important position.

By Ex-Navy............

April 17, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Yea, draft him this year so that next year when Blank take MV back he can be #2.

By AH

April 17, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Draft Linemen this year and ignore the itch to get a QB. We can find a good one next year. If you draft one this year, especially high in the draft your stuck with him for at least 3 years due to the $ investment.

I think Tebow would be worth the wait.

By Paul

April 17, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

You;re insane drafting Ryan at 3.

With WHAT LINE?

The QB is only worth it when everything else around him is solid, you can’t throw if you don’t have time to throw it. FOr all the Ryan talk.. did you watch him in College? He had a heck of a good offensive line who simply held when they couldn’t block (see tech game footage)

The falcons need in this draft Versatile OL’s who can play tackle or Guard… and Big viscious motivated DT’s. I could care less about whether they get a QB or not in this draft class none of them are spectacular and Matt Ryan is closer to Alex Smith than he is Tom Brady… not to mention Brady’s line is a billion times better than ours… because you know…. they’ve actually tried to bolster it. We use scrubs… Thanks Alex Gibbs.

By Paddy

April 17, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

O- line or D-line, and then march on. So Ga Jaw Cracker, you are almost right, Vick is coming back to the NFL but will NEVER be a Falcon again. I am sad to say, those days are over.

By Paul

April 17, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Big Andre Bruce Fan too Mark?

Seriously. Forget the QB. Fake it till you make it.

Get me Dorsey and Red Bryant inside and I’ll show you a defense that can finally stop the run.

WHile you’re at it Lets see if we can’t get ANdre Caldwell down the line somewhere for the slot.

I’d rather get Josh Johnson in the 4th than Matt Ryan at 3. Too much money for an average QB.

By jcarson

April 17, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Jake Long would probably be our best pick but he will go to either Dolphins or Rams….that is 100% guaranteed. Dorsey may also be gone. Then, what do you do? It would almost have to be Ryan if you can’t trade down.

By exNFLplayer

April 17, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Take the lineman. Either one, either side of the ball. Without that foundation no QB can ever compensate. As for a future QB…given the choice, take Matthew Stafford over Tebow. Stafford has all the NFL tools. There is a huge difference between Stafford and Tebow when it comes to NFL talent.

By Jim

April 17, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I also think Ryan will be a good pro, but taking a QB that early is too much of a gamble for this organization to take. A lot of people are eluding to Vick coming back. Well what was the biggest problem when Vick was here (OFFENSIVE LINE HAS STUNK). That is why we couldn’t win and if we don’t sure up the front then we won’t win. It’s an easy pick if Jake Long is there. Well if he is not then take Dorsey or trade out and stock up more picks. Lord knows we need some players

By Steve

April 17, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

How did Dorsey become the “safe” pick? Really, a very talented player who takes plays off and has a nasty injury history is safe? If you’re looking safe, take a solid runstopping DE like Chris Long. Or if you want DT, take Sedrick Ellis. The upside may be limited, but if you want to limit risks, those are the guys.

If you’re taking a chance, may as well go for a player with better superstar potential than Dorsey like Ryan or Gholston.

By Jim

April 17, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I also think Ryan will be a good pro, but taking a QB that early is too much of a gamble for this organization to take. A lot of people are eluding to Vick coming back. Well what was the biggest problem when Vick was here (OFFENSIVE LINE HAS STUNK). That is why we couldn’t win and if we don’t sure up the front then we won’t win. It’s an easy pick if Jake Long is there. Well if he is not then take Dorsey or trade out and stock up more picks. Lord knows we need some players. Trade down. Take Leodis McKelvin and pick up another 2nd round pick. Then we could rename the 2nd round the ATL round

By SICKO

April 17, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

If this guy thinks Matty Ryan is the purest passer ever to play in the NCAA he’s crazy. He’s never ever played the game before and that is obvious by his statement. The QB’s in this class and last years aren’t worth writting about.

By South GA Jaw Cracker

April 17, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Paddy, How do explain the contact between Blank, one of his player personnel guys and Vick? They are working this out.

I am no Vick fan but I would like to see him play behind a solid O line and see what he could do with some receivers and a good offensive scheme.

By 51-7 DAWGS

April 17, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Crazy!

17 INTs in the weak ACC.

By Jonny

April 17, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

O-Line, O-Line, O-Line, and use an FB heavy offense to play some smash mouth in the first half. Develop a young QB that is a late draft pick to learn under a cheap veteran QB.

And develop an O-Line with a heavy running presence. Develop a strong 4-3 defense by drafting some feisty LB’s and big DE’s.

Drafting a QB or RB means nothing without an O-Line or a D to keep the other offense at bay. It’s a team sport and the QB or RB are generally only as good as the O-Line.

By toshie

April 17, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness Mark Bradley is not the GM or Coach. We can get a QB later in the draft. As most of us are saying we need OL and DL. That is a clear fact.

By Grant

April 17, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I’m sure this has been voiced already, but because of the financial obligations owed to the first several picks in the draft, these picks are in reality more curse. Instead of drafting anyone with the third pick in this month’s draft, the Falcons should instead trade the pick for a late first round and another second round pick. Look at two teams, for example, that have consisently traded down to get more picks: New England and Dallas.

By Yurtle_the_turtle

April 17, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Let’s see about this:

MB, you mention that Dimitroff is a clever GM AND that he would probably select Dorsey. Well, if a clever GM would select Dorsey at 3, what does that make your selection of Ryan at 3?

Secondly, to all those endorsing McFadden at 3, get real. There is in the NFL a little thing called the salary cap and we just signed a RB (Turner) to a lot of money. You cannot tie up too much of your salary cap to one position, especially with Norwood still under contract.

Thirdly, we do need O-line and D-line help. Ryan would get beat up too much if we selected him. We need to solidify the lines and build around them.

Questions, however (and this doesn’t change my thinking, but I still wonder)… if selecting a QB bust at 3 hurts you for 4 years, why doesn’t any bust at 3 hurt you for 4 years? You still have to pay that person and he takes up a roster place. Everyone says a bust a QB hurts you, but isn’t that true of any position? The other arguement is that you can find a QB in another round, but can’t you say that for every position?? I mean there were tremendous bargains for WR, RB, DB, O-line, and D-line in every draft, aren’t there???

Just thinking….

By GM R

April 17, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons don’t take Ryan it will be the same as the Hawks passing on Paul - much wailing and gnashing of teeth for years to come. I agree - this guy is the best college passer I have seen, including Manning. Anyone who saw his demolition of Tech would be inclined to agree.

By Lynne

April 17, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Its really funny to see these sports pundits trying to bamboozle the Falcons with Ryan. Isn’t it amazing how the Falcons so desperately need a “franchise QB” with the #3 pick….but who is the Dolphins franchise QB?? If a player is good enough for #3, wouldn’t that player be good enough at #1?? Oh…I guess they know Parcells not falling for this BS. Being the projected best QB in the draft, doesn’t translate to a must in the top 10….it just means the best QB of an okay class of QBs - but suddenly, the only team in the league that NEEDS a QB is the Falcons?? Seriously, doesn’t anybody wonder why the media doesn’t think the Dolphins need a “top” QB? Why just Atlanta?

By RLJ

April 17, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

If the Long boys are gone at 3 trade down for a couple of second round or a second and couple 3ed rounders address the line both sides of the ball get a QB next year maybe he will have chance of staying on his feet long enough to see a play completed!

By the truth

April 17, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Long,Henne, either way you are getting a MICHIGAN MAN. SOLID!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 17, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Not only is it idiotic to waste your #3 pick on a QB when you have holes at every position except RB and you haven’t drafted a first-round lineman in 14 years, but Matt Ryan isn’t worth the #3 pick anyway. As is the case in every draft, some team is gonna reach for a QB about 30 picks higher than he should go because QB is considered the “most important position” — see David Carr, Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich, Alex Smith, etc. Matt Ryan is that QB this year. Hopefully the Falcons are not that team.

The best QB in this year’s draft is Brian Brohm, and he will most likely be available in round 2.

Draft Jake Long.

By Carpetbagger

April 17, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Give Ryan a CHANCE! In the NFL you’ve got to have the QB. The “Falcan’ts” sure don’t have one in their present roster that can lead them to the next step forward.

By DawgNLville

April 17, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

It must be cooling off in Hades….cuz I’m agreeing with Roswell Ed….but not you MB.

Falcons can get a QB who knows how to throw (and more importantly hand the ball off) in the 2nd.

Get Jake Long at 3. If he’s not available for some reason. Then take Dorsey.

DnL

By Roymus

April 17, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are going with Ryan. Book it, Dano. In addition to being a fine college QB with great athletic skills, size, and a phenomenal arm, he’s a polished and articulate person who’s a proven leader…above all, that is what the Falcons were lacking with Vick. At QB, skills are not enough, this has been proven time and time again. The QB is the face of the entire team, and ours has been pretty red the past few years (our fans have been red too, but that’s another problem). Blank has already met with Ryan and came away impressed in all the ways that matter to an owner who has been burned over and over again by our last “franchise” QB. Plus, Ryan actually WANTS to play here (go figure)! Welcome, Matt!

One other note for you football “purists”: drafting one outstanding OL or DL is not going to be a magic fix. The draft is only one tool in repairing the OL and DL…free agency, trades, and coaching are as or more important. I feel pretty good about Mike Smith’s ability to rebuild the line with the raw material he has or can acquire. Drafting the right QB will have far more impact on our sad organization than any single OL or DL can…and it’ll put butts in seats. You draft a lineman in the first round if you already have a competent starting QB and team leader on your team…which we clearly don’t. Nuff said.

By Jimmy

April 17, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Don’t do it Falcons!

By Thomas

April 17, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

If Brad thinks its a good idea, you know it is a bad one. Brad is the worst prognosticator, the worst judge of talent, and the biggest badn wagoneer out there. Stick with building a foundation, ie o-line, d-line. Running backs and QBs always look better the better the o-line and d-line. Vicks first couple of years were a fluke (ie, good production from a QB with a bad line). Once the NFL figured out his game, he NEEDED a line to do the stuff he had in the past. Oh,yeah, and I forgot, Vick also got hurt becasue the line was so poor.

Build the lines, get the receivers and running back, then get your QB.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 17, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

We have 11 picks… I would not mind if every one of them was used on an offensive or defensive lineman.

The QB position individually is not more important than the lines collectively.

By johnny touchdown

April 17, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

DO NOT DRAFT MATT RYAN, NO MATTER WHAT

By Kristin

April 17, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Mark,

You mention the success of Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger and state what physical attributes they have in common: size, strength, etc. But the key to their success is the fact that they have outstanding offensive linemen. If the Falcons want the quintessential pocket passer, they have to have an offensive line that can pass block. It’s that simple.

By Tarheel

April 17, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

If Dmitroff learned anything at New England—Henne is in the Falcon future.

By yodaddy

April 17, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

I don’t think drafting a QB this year is the answer to the qb spot on this team. Face it we might break 500 this year with a good running game. Draft lineman and wait for a qb. Don’t settle for a sub par qb and pay him top dollar. Take the best talent available for O line D line and CB, Let’s establish a force at the line of scrimmage and the rest will come.

By Shamus Thacker

April 17, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Only an IDIOT would draft Ryan and put his knees behind our offensive line.

Gotta be Dorsey!

By Price

April 17, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I actually will pitch a fit if we don’t pick Matt Ryan (if he was available). WE NEED A QB. Last year, Harrington, Redman, and every other QB we put in could not do anything in the pocket. Why not get a great QB who knows how play the game and is good at it. But, if Ryan is available, I won’t be surprised if the Falcons take someone else because the Falcons have a reputation of drafting people who don’t make a difference in the game to uphold.

By Dream On

April 17, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

LOL! @ Vick coming back. Can you people not see what this new management team is doing? They are taking out the trash and bringing in new resposible and respectable players! Do you think they want a trouble maker like Vick back? If you do you are just in a biased dream LOL! Linemen Linemen Please draft Linemen and no one from Va. Tech!!!

By Jason

April 17, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

We should take a serious look at Joe Flacco.

By yodaddy

April 17, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I could care less about having a big name on the team just to sell tickets. Give me a TEAM that produces good numbers week in and week out. If you do that then trust me tickets will sell.

By Rank Smif

April 17, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t matter who the buzzards pick. Franchise is an NFL laughingstock and always has been. Probably always will be. Just learn to love being a sad sack, like the Chicago Cubs.

By joey harrington

April 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

draft Jake Long!

By GW

April 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Ryan hasn’t won many big games plus he’s not very mobile and interception prone. He’s gonna be a bust. The falcons plan on running the ball and stopping the run so it wouldn’t make sense to waste a third round pick on a slow interception prone quarterback. They need to spend that pick on either a defensive or offensive lineman.

By Mike

April 17, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan is not Peyton Manning, he’s not Mike Vick, he’s not even Roethlisberger. The guy is too risky at that spot when there are so many quarterbacks with similar skillsets in this draft. Henne, Brohm, Flacco, maybe even Woodson, would be much safer picks in the 2nd than Ryan would be in the 1st. Take Dorsey with the pick, or trade down and get some more lower round selections. This team has to be rebuilt from the ground up, Ryan is not the answer.

By yodaddy

April 17, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Price, How can you hold any of last years QB’s responsible for last years disaster. Football starts at the line of scrimmage. No qb would stand a chance behind this line. For as long as I can remember the fans have been hollering for an O line. Well the time is now. Dont even wast a 2nd round pick on a qb this year.

By Alfred Brown

April 17, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

The falcons do not need to waste a #1 draft pick on a quarterback who can’t help them improve the next 2 years. We need to build an offensive line that can pass protect, a defensive line that can rush the passer and stop the run. As a 29 year season ticket holder, I hope they understand that in the NFL teams that win consistently have built an line first and found and developed a quarterback second.

By loumar

April 17, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

The only reason to take Ryan is if Jake Long or Dorsey are already gone!

By alchemist

April 17, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

The question is risk/return and the amoung of money it takes at #3. You have to take the QB. If he is great you have the ability to win for a long time. It any of the linemen are great then so what. Especially since none are true left tackles. A great tackle is not going to win for you if you have Joey Harrington et al at QB. The gap between good Qbs and the rest is huge and noticable. The gap for linemen is less so on both sides of the ball. For the guaranteed money you have to pay, you must role the dice on the QB.

By marko

April 17, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Do Ryan a favor and let him fall to the Ravens. they’re a pretty good team that’s really only a quarterback short of being a contender. the Falons can do the same when they’ve built a supporting cast. I don’t even care whether or not they even draft a quarterback this year. Georgia has a pretty decent kid coming out next year. At least we would’nt have to listen all the incessant whining from the Bulldog fans.

By Cincy Falcon

April 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Mark,

I applaud your blog, not for it’s content but rather for the effect that was intended. Indeed I think the Falcons need to draft a lineman wouldn’t stir much debate at all. I don’t believe you would like to see the Falcon burn the #3 pick on a player who would be years away from having an impact on this team (if ever) any more than I and would be just as shocked. Arthur Blank has finally realized that individual players no matter how gifted can not make a team win consistently. No, football is a team sport, and its success starts with its ability to control both sides of the ball. He now has the right people calling the shots, we the fans will just have to be patient while this team is transformed.

Go Falcons!

By David

April 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

All you guys complaining about how Ryan would get pummeled aren’t taking into account that he won’t be playing at all this year. It takes a couple of years to develop a QB. Take Ryan and leave him on the bench. Use the rest of the picks to shore up the lines. The Falcons aren’t going to draft Jake Long because he’s not going to be around at #3. He’s either going to Miami or St. Louis. He’s not an option. So, it essentially comes down to Dorsey or Ryan. I’d go with Ryan.

By yodaddy

April 17, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Thank you Alfred Brown! You build a line FIRST. You dont just settle for a weak qb just because he is the best in a weak draft class. Get the linemen this year in a strong class for line men and let them develop. Then take a great qb next year in what will be a strong class for QB’s.

By Toby Cash

April 17, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Man you should stick to writing for the AJC Sports Dept. Your opinion was read and I hope the Falcons do not adhere to it. If they draft Ryan now, he will just get beat up before reinforcements arrive in future drafts.

By Jason

April 17, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Mark my words. When all is said and done, Chad Henne will be the best QB in this years draft.

By Bob H

April 17, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Ryan’s no more a sure thing than Brohm et al. Falcons should take Jake Long or Dorsey if available, and if not, take McFadden and then dangle him for more lower draft picks since other teams not willing to trade up ahead of time. They could get multiple players and/or draft picks, still pick up one of the (very slightly) lower tier QB’s lower in draft and avoid the huge financial obligation that goes with 3rd pick signing.

By TT44

April 17, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

WAIITTTTT! THis year build the supporting cast! And probably next year; there is the QB in Athens GA who looks like the next John Elway! Who just may be in the draft! (of course that is after National Championship!)

By yodaddy

April 17, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

alchemist your nuts. There is a huge difference in a great lineman and a not so great lineman. There is also a huge difference in a qb behind a great line and a not so great line. Do you think bret farve would have ever lasted as long in the league as he did behind an Ok line. I sure dont think so.

By Coach Hinz

April 17, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

We are not taking Ryan with the #3 pick. Like DeNiro said, ”eh, forget about it.” The O line is a team’s foundation. It is just like building a house. If you do not have a solid foundation you can’t build all of the other parts. No solid foundation = No solid offense! You can’t put the roof on first! Mr. Bradley, have you ever played football?

By Will

April 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have SO MANY needs that almost anyone they pick would help somewhere. In this case, I’d take Ryan. While he is not perfect, he seems to be the best of the QB’s available—-this year. The QB crop coming out of school NEXT YEAR doesn’t appear to be very good. If Ryan needs to hold the clipboard during games and not play for a year or two, so be it. Waiting until next year to draft a QB is a bit dicey since there is NO certainty that a good one will be available in the 2009 draft.

By Phil

April 17, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I think the Falcons signing Michael Turner was a mistake knowing that McFadden would most likely be availabe at Number 3. How can you pass up a running back like McFadden? Ask Minnesota how drafting Adrian Peterson worked out. You just cannot pass up talent like that.

As for Ryan, I would probably pass on him and go with Dorsey or one of the Longs like many people have suggested. We can get a solid QB in the 2nd round. Tom Brady turned out pretty good and he went in the 6th round.

By Ryder

April 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

It just keeps getting easier and easier for the Falcons doesn’t it? Steve McNair just retired from the Baltimore Ravens today.

What does that mean for the Falcons? PLENTY! Baltimore obviously needs a QB now and they have their sights set on Matt Ryan. Atlanta should trade down and let B-More get him. Obtain the 8th pick and an additional second round pick. This way Atlanta can get a lineman with a less expensive contract and trade two of their other picks to get back into the first round and get another lineman (offensive or defensive).

That way Atlanta still has two second round picks to build up depth. They will still have their QB and line for the future!

By jcarson

April 17, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Everyone quit saying they should draft Jake Long. Miami and St. Louis both love him….he will 100% be gone when we pick. No other O-lineman is worthy of the pick, so it comes down to Ryan or Dorsey (who could also be gone). Both are gambles for different reason….I say gamble on the most important position….QB.

By alchemist

April 17, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

100% guaranteed lock….with the 3rd pick of the 2008 NFL draft the Falcons pick…..the wrong guy!

By PTC DAWG

April 17, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Ryan couldn’t carry Stafford’s jock..as to drafting Tebow, the Falcons aren’t looking for a big slow fullback.

By Wink from Lithonia

April 17, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Drafting Matt Ryan would not solve the problem for this troubled franchise. He may eventually have a stellar career. However, for once we have people in place who SOUND like they know what they are doing and are implementing a system we can all identify as our team’s foundation.

We need to build the O & D lines, period. The reason MV7 has the record for the most yards gain by a quarterback is because, he was capable of running and usually ran because he had too. Thus, our team lead the league in rushing. As you noticed, we did not lead the league in rushing last year. Also, I might add MV7 got sacked quite a bit when he stood behind the line and look to pass the ball. So we all complained about his passing percentage. The line sucked. We were also unable to stop anybody who decided to run the ball on us. After Kearney left for Seattle, we had no pass rush. Out No. 1 pick was shut out for the season on sacks. That results from poor draft preparation. I should add the defensive tackle, who Petrion coached, was over looked in the draft and he had 2-3 sacks on us when we played Houston.

That said we need to get deep on the offensive line as our proposed IDENTITY for this season is smashmouth football, pounding the ball. I think we are set at quarterback, with 3 guys capable of turning and handing the ball off, to Turner, Norwood, Snelling, Mulkelvy. We have signed a blocking tightend and brought in some offensive linemen. My guess is they will open the draft with D line (Dorsey) or O Line (hopefully Jake Long).

If we don’t get a quarterback to develope then it should be a priority next year along with more line help. We Are Building a Foundation - see New England, plug them in and go. Also, in New England they usually sign 4 year contracts or they let them walk..check it out!!
Guys, for once we have the right management saying the right things (unlike Billy Knightmare for the Hawks), we have draft picks (again, unlike the Hawks this coming draft), and we have money (Arthur wants to spend as opposed the Braves now operating on the cheap). Matt Ryan should not be our No. 1 pick, even Brady came in late rounds, same with Terry Bradshaw in his day…let’s pass on Ryan!

By alchemist

April 17, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

ok yodaddy, tell me where the Packers picked the linemen that protected Farve the last time they were in the Superbowl. forget the fact that the Falcons were too stupid to keep Farve and gave him away to the Packers…I believe they got Tony Smith in return….great deal!

By richbrave

April 17, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

MARC BRADLEY:

Yes, q-back IS the most important position on a football field. The rules have been altered to see that is correct.

The majority of professional accounts I have read suggest that RYAN is not what you claim. That is, he is a top-flight franchise back. Of course there’s so much hype out there most prognosticators may be wrong and you may be right. Michael Vick comes to mind. You mentioned numerous others. If the Falcons take your lead we’ll see in three years if you’re right. Willing to stake your job on the outcome?

I would trade down IF possible and get more high round picks in a deep draft class. Taking OL and DL for starters. Then defensive LB, TE, DB, WR. The strength of any club is the OLine and DLine. The Q-back is what gets you where you’re going. You’ll never get there by overlooking the men up front.

If you can’t get extra picks by trading down then you’ve got to consider the Q-Back first because you may not get another opportunity at the golden arm. But there are many, many overlooked Q-backs not in the hype-light. Joe Montana comes immediately to mind. 3rd rounder. Ken Anderson - Augustana College, Doug Williams, Division II. So it should be a certainty that Ryan’s the man before backing him with the future success of the franchise. I’m not as certain as you are. But you write the column, I don’t. Good luck.

By TokenGringo

April 17, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

McFadden is too small, can only run outside, and doesn’t keep his feet moving on contact. He’s no Adrian Peterson.

By "D" in Houston

April 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

You gotta be kidding Senior Bradley? Why get a QB before you get an “O” line? Sounds like David Carr and the Texans….A good QB out of college who got bombshelled and never recoverd…gimme a break. Get Dorsey or the O-line Long and be done with it….

By Not too bad but not worth a #3

April 17, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

“best pure passer I’ve ever seen as a collegian”. Don’t know about that. There is a long list I’d have to consider… Elway, Manning (either one), Ty Detmer, Brees, Wuerffel, McNair….heck even Zeier.

But comparing carrer college stats with Peyton Manning (best pure passer I’ve ever seen regardless of level) Ryan doesn’t look as bad as I would have suspected.

Get Jake Long anyway!!

P. Manning: Att. Cmp. Pct. Yards Int. TD
144 89 61.8 1,141 6 11
380 244 64.2 2,954 4 22
380 243 63.9 3,287 12 20
477 287 60.2 3,819 11 36
1,381 863 62.5 11,201 33 89

Ryan: Att. Cmp. Pct. Yards Int. TD 71 35 49.3 350 3 2 195 121 62.1 1,514 5 8 427 263 61.6 2,942 10 15 654 388 59.3 4,501 19 31 1,347 807 59.9 9,307 37 56

By Chuck

April 17, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Take either Long this year, but not Dorsey. Then take Tebo next year.

By Mark Bradley

April 17, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Terry Bradshaw went No. 1 overall in the 1970 draft. He won four Super Bowls. John Elway was No. 1 in the 1983 draft, and he won two. Jim Plunkett was No. 1 in 1971, and he won two (although not for the team that drafted him). Troy Aikman went No. 1 overall in 1989, and he won three. Joe Montana and Tom Brady are great examples of latter-round quarterback successes, but there are powerful examples to the contrary.

As with most things in life, we need to proceed on a case-by-case basis. I think Matt Ryan will be good enough to win big in the NFL, and for me that would more than justify taking him at No. 3 overall. And for those saying, “Analysts don’t have him ranked that high” … well, it depends on the analyst. Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him the third-best player available. Scouts Inc. has him No. 5 overall (with Brian Brohm, the second-highest-rated quarterback, at No. 27).

By isproab

April 17, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

I’m all for it. Matt Ryan is the best QB on the board and QB is the biggest need for Atlanta. Neither Ryan nor any other rookie QB would start in 2008. So the offensive line prospects we draft and bring in will have a year or so to get use to the game before Ryan gets to take over.

For the record, I don’t like Jake Long at Left Tackle. So he only allowed 1 or 2 sacks his entire career, that does not mean he will be an all pro in the NFL. Its not that cut and dry. I didn’t think he was overly athletic as a Junior and despited losing some weight, he still is not the type of athlete you want at left tackle.

I like Dorsey at DT but he has the same 50-50 chance of being a successful NFL player as does Matt Ryan or Jake Long. It amazes me how many people think Jake Long and Glenn Dorsey will be all-pro’s but Matt Ryan is overrate. The Falcons will address the O-line, drafting Matt Ryan will not stop that from happening.

By Token Gringo

April 17, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Yeah, 3 year wait my uknowhat!!! Like the fans are going to sit through 2-6 and not be screaming for Ryan to play now. This kid doesn’t have 3 years to learn. Rookies are getting tossed onto the battlefield sooner rather than later.
Why spend the money? Nobody really wants to trade up to #3 because there isn’t a player worth the money. I wouldn’t take Ryan if Dorsey and Long were gone, and I like Ryan as a QB. I’d just take the best OT available since that has been the teams biggest need. But with Blaylock moving to RT, that means we’re going with the QB.

By Karl

April 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I originally wanted to draft Jake Long with the first pick and then Chad Henne in the second round since he two have been together for four years and who better to protect the backside of your future QB then the guy who has been doing it for years. Now that looks like a pipe dream as Long looks to be going to the Dolphins number one overall. So I would keep my eye on a lineman this time however it would be a defensive one. Take Dorsey or Ellis and build from the inside out. If the Falcons don’t want a DT then trade