I can't imagine even the most optimistic Falcons fan is expecting much from the team in 2008. As long as no one is detained at the airport for carrying a pot-concealing water bottle or is sent to prison for murdering puppies, it'll be a successful season.
And that's probably the best attitude to take. That way, if the team somehow manages to win five or six games, it'll be a pleasant surprise as the front office prepares to make another top-5 pick in a year's time.
I mention all this because even though it might seem prudent to draft Matt Ryan if he's available when the Falcons make the third-overall pick, there's a chance Atlanta won't pull the trigger. That's because they might try to trade out of the selection all together.
... [D]on't be shocked if Atlanta trades down from the No. 3 spot in the April 26-27 draft to accumulate more selections later in the process. The Falcons have to bolster the offensive and defensive lines, middle linebacker and depth at nearly every position except for tailback. In adding at least one more relatively high draft pick and either a player or additional draft pick by coming off the No. 3 selection, Atlanta could get more talent at solid value.Duly noted, I will not be shocked. Thanks for the warning. Basically, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Steve Wyche could've written: "The Falcons need help, well, at every position. They can't go wrong by throwing a dart at the top 15 players and just taking one."
The problem, though, is that everybody wants to trade down. Which makes it a tad harder to do when there aren't any teams interested in trading up. Even if the Falcons stay put and they take Ryan, the franchise isn't suddenly salvaged.
The Falcons won't play a young quarterback right away. Atlanta would prefer easing a young player into the lineup, if at all, during his rookie season, which isn't a bad way to go while you're trying to solidify an offensive line.This is great news for the new guy -- Atlanta thinks so much of him that they don't want him to get David Carr Syndrome (DCS). On the other hand, it pretty much tells you all you need to know about how the organization feels about the soon-to-be re-signed Joey Harrington, Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley. Maybe the team should petition the league to be called the Atlanta Sacrificial Lambs next year. Just a thought.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-15-2008 @ 4:49PM
Mab said...
Re-signing Harrington is a big turn off for me. He is a proven loser. I have lost the enthusiam for the falcons that I had recoverd.
Reply
3-16-2008 @ 4:01AM
#1 Rick Barry Fan said...
Shaq is WACK.I'am a 50+ year old black(AM)Male, and and the only SUPERMAN i have ever seen (since the 1st Show)has been a white man, and his name is RICK BARRY.Rick is the only player who has ever taken a team to the NBA finals and WON it. within a couple of years,without a Superhero. Yes Karem,Shaq,King James(who still Will do it)Karem neededOscar/Magic,shaq/lostMagic/Kobe/Wade SHero,Jorden/Pip Duc/parker/BARRY Isiah/Lam, All SHeros RICK worked w/who ever needed Help. BY HIM SELF.FO FO FO 4-Straight. His demanding style made the Warriors Champs. As a leader he lead by example, Rick gave 300%, Lead Scoring Every Leage,FT,Asst& 400% on his weak Dfence.If he could do it everybody else BETTER.Miss a/his pass,he would"kick your Azz"Blow a lay up He would"put a foot up yo butt" I LOVED it, it made us champs, These days Player missWIDE/OPEN/UNDER-BASKET L/ups_Dunks an TEAMMATES say "oh thats OK" Players in the NBA dont even know what a bankshot is? Fundamentals(Whats That")Thats why the spurs win w/ B.Barry Fundments. Brents Dad knew that too.Rick was Magic/Labron in 1. He SLAMDUNK with best,BHandled/PASSED BETTER THAN Pete Maravich but chose to stick with fundments.Every now and then(with a big lead) he would tease us and give us a Great 2handed/rearback/tomahock POWER slam,or behind/neck/leg/or back take your pick pass.The fans would GO WILD. it was great.Ricks style is what made him the NBA's Greatest MVP Player.In sports, a Winner is someone "who is different" from others.For those who miss RICK BARRY, you miss one of the best player/exciting in the NBA. When Rick came down court,WE,ME%MY Buddies/Fans and Bill King,were clappping/standing before Rick hit mid-court because(WE KNEW IT WAS TWO)by ricks shot or his(u better not miss)no LOOK pass.The AMAZING PART,the players,fans,bill k,nobody knew where ricks pass was coming from, but he expected your azz to be ready,so you can make his Fundments pass/easy layup.IT WAS GERAT.The only SUPERMAN I have ever known.#1Rick Barry Fan FO FO FO "75"
Reply