NFL Draft: The Myth of the Sure Thing QB
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons (2) during the 2015 Pro Bowl against Team Carter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan was one of the QB’s that Mel Kiper and Todd McShay used to compare Andrew Luck to. Ryan has been good in the NFL but has been surrounded by a ton of offensive talent. He has had very little post-season success and some wonder if he has topped out.
Coming out of Boston College he was seen as a smart QB with physical limitations, again from NFL.com:
"Negatives: Lacks the arm strength to challenge the deep secondary, as his long throws tend to flutter or hang up long enough for defenders to attack the ball in flight. Weakest area of his game is exposed when he attempts to fire the deep ball, as the pass tends to lack accuracy. Needs to make quicker decisions when he is flushed out of the pocket and must stop trying to force his throws into tight areas…Needs to protect the ball better; had fumble issues in 2007"
So basically the thought was that Ryan could be a really good to great game manager but that his deep ball limitations would keep him from being elite. He was drafted 3rd overall by the Falcons as they looked to replace Vick but was not seen as a sure thing to be the guy who carries a Franchise.
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