By Dan Parr
April 26, 2008

Matt Ryan

The Falcons have their successor to Michael Vick.

No pressure, Matt Ryan.

After a year in the doldrums, Atlanta used its third overall pick to select Ryan, the former Boston College quarterback, in the hopes that the fresh-faced Exton, Pa., native could breath new life into their scarred franchise.

In the lead-up to Saturday, the Falcons seriously considered taking LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, and GM Thomas Dimitroff publicly sought trade offers for the third overall pick, but in what has been billed as a “one-quarterback” draft, the team decided Ryan was too good, perhaps too rare of a talent, to pass up.

Ryan doesn't instantly change the Falcons' fortunes, in terms of wins and losses, but his steady, optimistic demeanor is exactly what owner Arthur Blank needed to help push away the dark cloud that has loomed over his club since Vick's involvement in a dogfighting ring went public.

Dimitroff can use the rest of the draft to build around the new centerpiece of the team. He'll need to find some blockers, particularly an offensive tackle, to provide the protection Ryan so badly will need as he works his way into the pro game. One of the major concerns about Ryan is his tendency to turn the ball over — he threw 19 interceptions during his senior season. If defenders are constantly pressuring him, he could panic and end up making poor throws that result in picks.

The Falcons have two veteran quarterbacks on the roster in Chris Redman and Joey Harrington, so there won't be a need to rush Ryan onto the field. There's a very good chance Redman will open the season as the starter, but Ryan will eventually take over, and the transition could come sooner rather than later.