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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ryan, Dorsey: Could one become a Falcon?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New York - After Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan stepped down off his podium at a final pre-draft media function at Chelsea Piers, I introduced myself and told him I was the Falcons beat writer for the AJC.
“Maybe I’ll see you down there soon,” Ryan said.
Maybe.
He doesn’t know. Nobody but the Falcons really know.
Shortly before that, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey said he’d love to play for Atlanta. He too, didn’t know if that would happen, though.
Until St. Louis makes its pick at No. 2 Saturday, anything and everything right now is just a guess. The Rams are still said to be deliberating between Dorsey and Virginia DE Chris Long, with a split contingent of coaches and personnel types wanting each.
As for Ryan and Dorsey, both said their dealings with the Falcons were very impressive. Both said they met team owner Arthur Blank and that he was the only owner from any team to take the time to meet with them. Neither felt it gave any indication to what the team would do, although Dorsey said he thought Atlanta was very interested since it recently called him back for a second interview.
Ryan, Dorsey, Virginia DE Chris Long, Michigan OT Jake Long (he already signed with Miami at No. 1), Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston and RB Darren McFadden took part in the media conference. It was part of whirlwind day that included appearances on the morning TV circuit, an event with kids and Central Park and a ton of photo ops.
All the guys were very polished and well-mannered, which are qualities that helped them reach such high regard in this draft. All said they will spend the next few days doing their best to quell their anxiety, but, as Dorsey said “It’s impossible.”
Rams could hold key to Falcons’ draft
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New York — I’m preparing for a media session this afternoon featuring 6 of this weekend’s top draft prospects — Jake and Chris Long, Darren McFadden, Glenn Dorsey, Matt Ryan and Vernon Gholston.
While I’ll be making the rounds, I’ll really be focused on LSU’s Dorsey and Boston College’s Ryan, who presumably are the players the Falcons are eyeballing with the No. 3 overall pick. What Atlanta will do hinges squarely on what the Rams do at No. 2.
For those who didn’t know, the Rams draft is being orchestrated by Billy Devaney, who left the Falcons just a few months ago and has some insight on Atlanta’s thoughts on how it wants to replenish its roster.
St. Louis apparently is debating between DE Chris Long and DT Dorsey. Both are need positions and the Rams seemingly can’t go wrong with either. The Falcons would love to get to Dorsey to anchor their relatively young defensive line, while Chris Long doesn’t fit a need since Atlanta has millions tied up in RE John Abraham and last year’s first-round pick (No. 8 overall) Jamaal Anderson.
If the Rams select Dorsey, Atlanta probably would try to trade out of the pick, but that’s easier said than done. They have to have a trade partner and some teams might not want to move up to the high-priced spot.
Should the Falcons retain the No. 3 selection, my guess is that they’ll take Ryan and begin grooming him to be their next franchise quarterback.
There is talk that Kansas City (No. 5) and Baltimore (No. 8) might want to move into the No. 3 spot to get Ryan, which would allow the Falcons to trade back and select a player like USC DT Sedrick Ellis, Troy CB Leodis McKelvin or OTs Ryan Clady, Branden Albert or Jeff Otah.
Kansas City and Baltimore also have a lot of other needs, though, and might rate those bigger priorities. The Jets (No.6) could also be trade partners.
The benefit to moving back is that the Falcons could add more picks to the 11 selections they already have. The negative is they might not get the player(s) they feel best suits coach Mike Smith’s system.
General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said the parameters for trades should be in place before the draft starts Saturday at 3 because of the reduced time (10 minutes) between picks in the first round; (7 minutes) in the second.
I’m going to try to update the blog later this afternoon after this interview session so check back if you can.
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