Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan
"Matty Ice"

6-5, 224, SR
Boston College

07 STATS-
127.0 Efficiency
4507yrds, 31td 19int
59.3 comp%
sacked 23 times



Where He Will Go:

Prior to December 11th, speculation was that after the Falcons dragged their feet through the final 3 games of 07, head coach Bobby Petrino would might use the team's top 10 (now confirmed 4th overall) pick in the 2008 Draft on the quarterback who was under center for the last play under Petrino's "surprisingly" hastened ten yer at Louisville, Brian Brohm.

But while Petrino was overseeing the Falcon's week 14 game at New Orleans, (and another one of his former signal callers Chris 'Who Makes Bernie Kosar Look Swift' Redman was running his offense) little did anyone know that in his mind he was already 1,100 miles away in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Arthur Blank basically got slapped in the face when Petrino called into work the next day (although the details of Petrino's ability to just stop coaching without any financial repercussions is sketchy at best) and although the Dirty Birds have more glaring needs (run stuffing DT, a legit corner opposite of Hall, a pure left tackle, and a serious pass rush threat)they need an identity more than anything. And a team's identity is often a reflection of it's quarterback.

And if that reflection is that of a 3 headed Byron Leftwich/Joey Harrington/Chris Redman variety on opening day 2008, there will be no sellouts at the Georgia Dome next year.

Redman has played well over he past 2 games (Arizona and Seattle), but will be 31 when camp starts, has only thrown 356 career passes,and should by no means be trusted to run an offense successfully for any team, let alone one as dysfunctional as the Falcons.

Byron Leftwich is due $2.5 million next year, he'll be cut. Joey Harrington is due the same, but will probably be under center on opening day for no other reason than he simply played better than Leftwich this season.

Even though Brohm had one, if not his best, season statistically, scouts have soured on him a little. His high completion percentage is due somewhat to the fact that he's not asked to make many difficult throws. Most scouts have Ryan rated the top gunslinger in the 08' class, and Arthur Blank will be desperate to find a new face for the franchise.

Welcome to Hotlanta Mr.Ryan.


Where He Should Go:

Ryan won't be the WORST fit for the Falcons. It could work out, but if he's asked to take over a team with a 1-5 record in week 6, with a sieve for a running defense, he'll be asked to do too much too soon. Falcons will most likely be losing by double digits most of the time, and Ryan will be asked to make too many plays.

And that will play into "Matty Ice's" only glaring weakness. Ryan has a reputation as being a real gunslinger and can throw picks in just those type of situations. But he's got thick skin (don't call him Matty Ice for nothing) and would be a better fit than either Brohm or Andre Woodson. He will eventually make plays in those situations that will consistently have his teams over the .500 mark, just give him some time.

Dolphins need a QB, but have too many other glaring shortcomings, and also like John Beck (why I have no idea. Beck has a arm. That's it, BYU's offense made him look like a 2nd round pick, he should have been a 3rd-4th rounder, see the absurdly mediocre Max Hall's inflated numbers this year).

If they trade down, it'll be with a team that picks after Altanta and he won't be there. Jets fans love Kellen Clemens and won't like the Ryan pick at 3. And the Rams have Bulger and too many offensive line and defensive issues to worry about their passing game (their strongest asset).
The Chiefs pick 5th, and are strikingly similar to the Falcons (bad o-lines, good running game, young upcoming top receivers, solid TEs) but Kansas City's offense is more complex and I think Ryan would be better suited in Atlanta.

Whomever takes him will be getting a high character leader and proven winner......that will turn the ball over too much in this first dozen of starts or so before he shows everyone why he's not just cool under pressure, he's ICE.


ROOKIE PROJECTIONS:
10games, 8 starts- 1750 yards, 9tds, 9ints, 71.0 rating, 5-3 record as starter

NFL COMPARISON:
-Jeff Garcia-Jason Campbell lovechild, not quite as mobile though and makes more poor throws than either
-gritty, gets that necessary case of amnesia when he makes a bad throw
-average to above average arm strength
-good west coast offense QB potentially
-can make throws on the run
-ultimately forces balls into too much traffic, with too much frequency
-is capable of making good plays in critical times as well, wins most of his games at college level
-should receive solid fan support, fun to watch especially in close games