AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA look at some of the QBs at the Combine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Checking in from Day 4 of the Combine and this morning, I was one of about 50 media types who got to watch a portion of the player workouts at the RCA Dome (my partner on the beat, Darryl Ledbetter - D-Led - was part of a second group).
A group of quarterbacks and wide receivers was working out but Boston College’s Matt Ryan - projected as the top quarterback in the group - was not in my group. He will be in D-Led’s group so he might be able to give you an update later.
Some of the quarterbacks I got to watch were Michigan’s Chad Henne, LSU’s Matt Flynn, Louisville Brian Brohm, Hawaii’s Colt Brennan, Delaware’s USC’s John David Booty and San Diego’s Josh Johnson.
There’s been a lot of hype mounting behind Johnson, who, at 6-3, 213, threw 43 touchdowns and just one interception last season for the Division II school. Johnson’s strong arm, field presence and evasive running style have him moving up some draft boards, but he struggled with a lot of his throws today. One of the knocks on him during some of his postseason workouts has been that he throws a wobbly ball.
He threw a lot of them today. A scout said a wobbly pass is usually a result of someone squeezing the ball too tight and said that was understandable for Johnson, who likely was nervous because has never been anywhere close to this type of stage. Receivers also had to wait on several of his passes.
The scout I spoke with said he’s seen Johnson play a few times. He said that today’s performance wouldn’t work much against Johnson, the MVP of the East-West game, because of how well Johnson threw the ball in real football situations.
Henne and Brohm looked like the most natural quarterbacks of the group. Their swagger and ease in which they executed drills put them at the head of a very talented assemblage.
One side note, FSU wide receiver De’Cody Fagg suffered a left leg injury while trying to catch a pass and had to be carted off the field. No official word of the severity of his injury has been issued, but it didn’t look good.
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By Tater
February 24, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Just like everyone else has said, we don’t need Ryan at the #3. Take the O-lineman because we need him worse. Redman showed a lot of promise and with a strong line he may thrive. Get rid of Hall for at least a 1st round pick (1st & 3rd would be great). I like Henne at the end of one or the start of the 2nd. Then more lineman and maybe a bigger RB. I know we cant fix it all in a year, but if they can show good progress thats a start. GO BIRDS!!
By Maxx
February 24, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
First one? Well here goes. It would really suck as an NFL draft prospect to get hurt so bad that you have to be carted off the field at the combine. These throwing drills, like most of the physical tests at the combine, are completely arbitrary and really have nothing to do with how well someone can play football. Having said that, I do appreciate the updates on the Falcons prospective QBs of the future Steve! Let us know if anyone really impresses you man
By Adam
February 24, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
I think Andre’ Woodson is the best QB in the draft. Everyone is talking about Ryan v. VT, but Woodson’s performances against LSU and FL were unbelieveable. He’s much more poised in the pocket and faced much more difficult defenses than Ryan.
I’d like to hear more about how Woodson does at the combine.
Plus, the Falcons could get Dorsey or Ellis at 3 and still get Woodson with the pick they get for Hall.
Matt Ryan is good, but he’s not a #3 pick.
By TheJama
February 24, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Just saw McFadden run a 4.27 40yd time. That is impressive. I hope the Falcons are not looking at drafting him though. But a 40yd time like that will hopefully bring us some draft trade options that will net us some more top 2nd round choices to add more depth and young talent. With a little negotiating skill we could have as many as 4 second rounders by the time we get to making our 2nd pick overall.
If we can get a late first rounder and latre second rounder for MeAngelo this could be a real good draft for us. Assuming that Dimitroff does what he was brought in to do…draft superstars!!
By N GA BOB
February 24, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
AJC WHY ARE YOU SITTING ON YOUR BUTTS. YOU HAVEN’T POSTED ANYTHING ABOUT THE FALCON’ DRAFT AND IF YOU CHECK OTHER WEB SITES YOU’LL FIND THEY HAVE A QB,RB,OT AND DEF LINEMAN. HALL’S GOING TO THE GIANTS FOR A DRAFT PICK AND YOU JUST STIR UP TROUBLE.
By CarolinaJacket
February 24, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
How fragile it can be. Doesn’t sound like this had much to do with the Falcons’ needs.
By Boston College’s Matt Ryan
February 24, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
“I’m your huckleberry”, at #3 in the NFL draft…
This is “Matty Ice” and I approve this message.