Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan has been under center for the Dirty Birds for 13 years, and he’s not getting any younger, folks! It was 2008, and the Falcons had just gone through the toughest season that no other team needs to suffer through. Head Coach Bobby Petrino jetted off to Razorback land like a thief in the night and QB Michael Vick was making his bed in a prison cell. Owner Arthur Blank who was blindsided by the fore mentioned, was trying to make this right, not only for him and the team, but for the fanbase that was losing trust in the organization. The Falcons had just hired new general manager, Thomas Dimitroff and new Head Coach Mike Smith. The team had the 3rd pick in the draft and they were eying a Pennsylvania kid who played ball at Boston College. When the pick came in, the team knew they had their quarterback for many years to come. In those years, there has been many ups and downs, ands a lot of consistency, a Super Bowl runner up and QB MVP during that same year. But 13 years later things are starting to get out of hand. Though the desire is there and Ryan will tell you it’s there, but father time doesn’t lie.
As of today with the Falcons at 4-8, and searching for a new general manager and head coach, the team has the number 8 pick overall in next year’s draft. There are two perfect QBs for the team to rebuild for the future. The team needs to focus on offense for the first couple rounds because this league is built on moving the ball downfield. I think a strong running back needs to be considered in the first round if not by free agency. After that they need a QB. My first consideration would be Florida Gators QB Kyle Trask. He’s a little bit bigger build than Ryan at 6-5′ and 240 pounds, but still can move around the pocket and scramble for a run or throw. Trask’s numbers compare to LSU’s Joe Burrow’s last year. This year through nine games, Trask is 230-322 for 3,243 yards, 38 TDs and only three interceptions. Trask will be leading the Gators representing the SEC East, as they face the Alabama Crimson Tide, winner of the SEC West, in the SEC Championship in Atlanta on Saturday, December 19. I see Ryan playing in Atlanta one or two more years, and Trask could learn and play right away if need be.
My second pick wasn’t even on my radar screen at the beginning of the season, but his stock has risen as many more eyes have been on him with so many teams not playing during the 2020 season. Brigham Young’s starting QB Zach Wilson has risen the Cougars from an afterthought to the number 13th team in the latest CFP Poll and a 9-1 record. Wilson might need a little more grooming and might not be ready to play right away if needed. But there is potential. Wilson comes in this year after 10 games completing 195-267 passes for 2,964 yards, 27 touchdowns and also only three interceptions. Wilson comes in just a couple inches shorter than Ryan at 6-3′ and about the same built at 210 pounds. Wilson can scramble around the pocket with a rocket arm.
No one knows at this point what the final record the Falcons will have at season’s end. But what we do know is there will be changes coming to the roster after the new GM and head coach are hired. It will be left up to them as to what direction they want to go. If they want to build for the future at QB, then Trask and Wilson should both get a hard look.
Header Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Journal Constitution
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