Jonathan Rand: What if (Matt) Ryan's there?

shaneo69 · 04-10-2008, 04:27 PM

What if Ryan's there?
Apr 10, 2008, 2:15:51 AM by Jonathan Rand

What should the Chiefs do if Matt Ryan from Boston College, considered the standout quarterback in this draft, is sitting there when it’s time to make the fifth overall pick?

Thousands of Chiefs fans would be screaming, “Take him!” Some of these same fans, no doubt, were throwing chairs at their big screens last year as the Chiefs declined to trade up during Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn’s free fall. The Browns traded up with the Cowboys to grab Quinn at number 22 and the Chiefs, sitting chilly in the 23rd spot, took LSU wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.

Quinn, whom many fans urged the Browns to draft with the third overall pick, now backs up Derek Anderson — a sixth-round choice in 2005 who was waived by the Ravens.

Bowe enjoyed a standout rookie season. Had the Chiefs traded up, they would have lost Bowe and an extra high draft pick that they would have had to give to the Cowboys. For the Chiefs, trading up would have been a big mistake.

Drafting quarterbacks is a lot trickier than you might think. The list of first-round busts at this position is much longer than the list of first-round successes, which is bizarre when you consider how much tape, statistics and workout information is generated by quarterbacks.

But the adjustment from college football to the NFL is so dramatic that “can’t-miss” quarterbacks are few and far between. We still don’t know if JaMarcus Russell, the LSU quarterback picked first overall by the Raiders a year ago, was a wise pick.

The Chiefs need, first and foremost, a top-flight offensive tackle. But if Michigan’s Jake Long is one of the top four picks, the next-best tackle may not be a good enough athlete to justify taking with the fifth pick.

The Chiefs could then try to trade down or take the best player still available. And what if they consider Ryan to be that player?

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards attended Ryan’s campus workout, and should have an educated opinion on whether he’s a superior prospect to incumbent Brodie Croyle. Ryan, 6 feet 5 and 224, gets positive reviews for his size, arm and ability to throw on the run.

The Chiefs haven’t committed a first-round pick for a quarterback since they misfired with Penn State’s Todd Blackledge in 1983. Considering their long-term failure to develop a young passer, is it time now for them to finally take the plunge?

Even if the Chiefs could draft Ryan, they’d have to wonder who’d be blocking for him. It makes no sense to commit a high pick to a quarterback if you can’t protect him, and the Chiefs stand three starters short of a decent line. When the Browns drafted Quinn, they’d already solidified their protection by taking Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall pick.

Houston’s David Carr was a classic case of a highly drafted quarterback who received scant protection. The first overall pick in 2002, he was sacked 249 times during his first years as a Texan. Recently released by the Panthers, it’s tough to know whether Carr ever had the tools to win in the NFL. But it’s fair to say it was hard for him to develop while staring at the sky.

If the Chiefs consider drafting Ryan, they need to be convinced he’s a “can’t-miss” prospect, project him as the opening-day starter and feel confident they can quickly rebuild their offensive line. The chances of Ryan being the real deal and getting enough protection to help the Chiefs progress this year appear remote. It would come as a surprise if they draft him.

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/04...f_ryans_there/

Coogs · 04-10-2008, 04:30 PM

If Jake Long is gone, and Ryan is still there, I could see making the pick. Get a RT, G, and possibly even a center as well. Then next year get Oher in the 1st round to fill out the O-line.

Sorry defensive homers, the offense needs fixed way worse than the d needs attention right now. Gun has had high draft picks and FA's for far to long.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-10-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

Sorry defensive homers, the offense needs fixed way worse than the d needs attention right now.

milkman · 04-12-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

If Jake Long is gone, and Ryan is still there, I could see making the pick. Get a RT, G, and possibly even a center as well. Then next year get Oher in the 1st round to fill out the O-line.

Sorry defensive homers, the offense needs fixed way worse than the d needs attention right now. Gun has had high draft picks and FA's for far to long.

I would bet that almost all these "defensive homers" would be all for taking Michael Oher if he were in this draft and sitting at 5.

But that's only speculation on my part.

I am not opposed to taking Jake Long if Dorsey and Ellis are off the board, but I don't believe that Long is the prospect at LT that Dorsey/Ellis are at DT, or that Oher will be next year, or even Andre Smith from Alabama.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 04-12-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I would bet that almost all these "defensive homers" would be all for taking Michael Oher if he were in this draft and sitting at 5.

But that's only speculation on my part.

I am not opposed to taking Jake Long if Dorsey and Ellis are off the board, but I don't believe that Long is the prospect at LT that Dorsey/Ellis are at DT, or that Oher will be next year, or even Andre Smith from Alabama.

You bet your ass that I'd be up for taking Oher in this draft at 5.

The three names that I keep hearing as comparisons for Oher?

Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden.

The two names that I keep hearing as comparisons for Jake Long?

Jon Runyan and Jeff Backus.

**Manila-Chief** · 04-12-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

I'm kind of a Croyle backer, but what if the guy does not have it? Rayn this year, and Oher next year sounds a whole lot better to me than Long this year and Tebow next season.

Are you saying we will have the top pick next year? I doubt we have a shot at Oher next year. I sure hope you are correct coz we need him but more impostantly .... it will mean we had a terrible upcoming season and just maybe Clark cleans house.

I think it is 99% sure that Tebow will not come out next year. He is only a Jr. His family is certainly not rich, I met his parents before he was born (have not met him), but he has the type of character that will keep him in school. Plus, I'm not sure he will be a great NFL QB. But, maybe after 2 more years he will be that "Elway" type of guy???

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

If he's there at 5 they have to take him period.

I don't!!! Too, many question marks about him. To me he smacks of the David Carr's of the draft ... and there have been a number of them lately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eazyb81

Like I just said, every single analyst would agree that the only area that Croyle can match or beat Ryan is in arm strength. That is why Ryan is a top five overall prospect and Croyle was a middle-round nobody.

Thus, if you think Croyle can do everything that Ryan can do, you must place a HUGE priority on arm strength.

It's already been said, but Croyle fell to the 3rd. because of injury concerns not his ability. Now, granted had he demostrated outstanding ability he would have been taken earlier even with the injuries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Considering Ryan has yet to play a NFL game, I'm not sure how you can say that.

The only thing you can say with any certainty that Ryan > Croyle is injury history while in college.

Otherwise, their college stats are similar.

Ryan 60% completion percentage, Croyle 56%

Croyle 13 yards per attempt, Ryan 11.5

Croyle 1.86 TD's per INT, Ryan 1.51

Matt Ryan is no more guaranteed to be a good NFL QB than Croyle is to bust.

Crapshoot.

I agree 100%. I'll put forth the disclaimer ... I'm a Croyle homer ... but, I'm hoping that with a true OC (who maybe able to talk a little sense into Herm about turning his offensiveless offense up a notch or 2) that Croyle will begin to make some positive progress this year. With our offensiveless game planning last year no QB could have been successful ... teams knew what we were going to do and thus it was easy to stop us. Now, in addition to being a Croyle homer ... I hope he is successful, coz that means we have that peice of the puzzle and can patch other holes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Actually, almost "every single analyst" said on draft day that Croyle had 1st round talent, but that his injury history scared teams off.

I affirm what you wrote. I heard the same thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

You bet your ass that I'd be up for taking Oher in this draft at 5.

The three names that I keep hearing as comparisons for Oher?

Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden.

The two names that I keep hearing as comparisons for Jake Long?

Jon Runyan and Jeff Backus.

Hey, maybe we can draft him this year but only get him next year when he comes out??? Kinda like a deposit. If he is that good sounds like an excellent idea to me!!!!

Brock · 04-12-2008, 02:58 PM

What's your plan if Croyle doesn't make it? Oh yeah, I forgot, we're the Chiefs. We'll trade for some old guy again.

Coogs · 04-12-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I would bet that almost all these "defensive homers"

Tongue in cheek Milkman! You know I respect your opinion. Just tongue in cheek stuff from Coogs.

Deberg_1990 · 04-10-2008, 04:31 PM

More Propoganda from the Chiefs?? Trying to cool the fans down in case we bypass him??

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-10-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan Rand

If the Chiefs consider drafting Ryan, they need to be convinced he’s a “can’t-miss” prospect,

Which is the crux of the issue , the guy isn't an Elway caliber QB. He'll need to be in the right situation to succeed

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-10-2008, 05:01 PM

Only if J. Long, Dorsey, and Ellis are gone.

BigVE · 04-10-2008, 05:04 PM

Hopefully Atlanta will take Ryan and it won't be an issue either way.

Coogs · 04-10-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigVE

Hopefully Atlanta will take Ryan and it won't be an issue either way.

I'm kind of a Croyle backer, but what if the guy does not have it? Rayn this year, and Oher next year sounds a whole lot better to me than Long this year and Tebow next season.

All most everything I have read or heard lately has Ryan being rated at the top of the past few years draft classes. Ahead of all three of the AFC West young guns... or at least nearly even with Russell and ahead of the other two. Rated near even with Eli Manning and ahead of Rothlisberger as well.

BigVE · 04-10-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

I'm kind of a Croyle backer, but what if the guy does not have it? Rayn this year, and Oher next year sounds a whole lot better to me than Long this year and Tebow next season.

All most everything I have read or heard lately has Ryan being rated at the top of the past few years draft classes. Ahead of all three of the AFC West young guns... or at least nearly even with Russell and ahead of the other two. Rated near even with Eli Manning and ahead of Rothlisberger as well.

It took Eli 3+ years to do anything good...any qb in KC will not be allowed 3 years to "figure it out".

Deberg_1990 · 04-10-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigVE

any qb in KC will not be allowed 3 years to "figure it out".

Not true.

Any top 10 pick in the NFL is allowed 4 years to figure it out. There is too much money involved to not let him.

04-10-2008, 04:27 PM	Topic Starter
shaneo69 Smug Weasel Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bleachers at Busch Casino cash: $10004900	Jonathan Rand: What if (Matt) Ryan's there? What if Ryan's there? Apr 10, 2008, 2:15:51 AM by Jonathan Rand What should the Chiefs do if Matt Ryan from Boston College, considered the standout quarterback in this draft, is sitting there when it’s time to make the fifth overall pick? Thousands of Chiefs fans would be screaming, “Take him!” Some of these same fans, no doubt, were throwing chairs at their big screens last year as the Chiefs declined to trade up during Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn’s free fall. The Browns traded up with the Cowboys to grab Quinn at number 22 and the Chiefs, sitting chilly in the 23rd spot, took LSU wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Quinn, whom many fans urged the Browns to draft with the third overall pick, now backs up Derek Anderson — a sixth-round choice in 2005 who was waived by the Ravens. Bowe enjoyed a standout rookie season. Had the Chiefs traded up, they would have lost Bowe and an extra high draft pick that they would have had to give to the Cowboys. For the Chiefs, trading up would have been a big mistake. Drafting quarterbacks is a lot trickier than you might think. The list of first-round busts at this position is much longer than the list of first-round successes, which is bizarre when you consider how much tape, statistics and workout information is generated by quarterbacks. But the adjustment from college football to the NFL is so dramatic that “can’t-miss” quarterbacks are few and far between. We still don’t know if JaMarcus Russell, the LSU quarterback picked first overall by the Raiders a year ago, was a wise pick. The Chiefs need, first and foremost, a top-flight offensive tackle. But if Michigan’s Jake Long is one of the top four picks, the next-best tackle may not be a good enough athlete to justify taking with the fifth pick. The Chiefs could then try to trade down or take the best player still available. And what if they consider Ryan to be that player? Chiefs coach Herm Edwards attended Ryan’s campus workout, and should have an educated opinion on whether he’s a superior prospect to incumbent Brodie Croyle. Ryan, 6 feet 5 and 224, gets positive reviews for his size, arm and ability to throw on the run. The Chiefs haven’t committed a first-round pick for a quarterback since they misfired with Penn State’s Todd Blackledge in 1983. Considering their long-term failure to develop a young passer, is it time now for them to finally take the plunge? Even if the Chiefs could draft Ryan, they’d have to wonder who’d be blocking for him. It makes no sense to commit a high pick to a quarterback if you can’t protect him, and the Chiefs stand three starters short of a decent line. When the Browns drafted Quinn, they’d already solidified their protection by taking Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall pick. Houston’s David Carr was a classic case of a highly drafted quarterback who received scant protection. The first overall pick in 2002, he was sacked 249 times during his first years as a Texan. Recently released by the Panthers, it’s tough to know whether Carr ever had the tools to win in the NFL. But it’s fair to say it was hard for him to develop while staring at the sky. If the Chiefs consider drafting Ryan, they need to be convinced he’s a “can’t-miss” prospect, project him as the opening-day starter and feel confident they can quickly rebuild their offensive line. The chances of Ryan being the real deal and getting enough protection to help the Chiefs progress this year appear remote. It would come as a surprise if they draft him. http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/04...f_ryans_there/
Posts: 4,910

04-10-2008, 04:30 PM	#2
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $-2265651	If Jake Long is gone, and Ryan is still there, I could see making the pick. Get a RT, G, and possibly even a center as well. Then next year get Oher in the 1st round to fill out the O-line. Sorry defensive homers, the offense needs fixed way worse than the d needs attention right now. Gun has had high draft picks and FA's for far to long.
Posts: 21,909

04-12-2008, 02:58 PM	#7
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	What's your plan if Croyle doesn't make it? Oh yeah, I forgot, we're the Chiefs. We'll trade for some old guy again.
Posts: 47,314

04-10-2008, 04:31 PM	#9
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $104454	More Propoganda from the Chiefs?? Trying to cool the fans down in case we bypass him?? __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 68,673

04-10-2008, 05:01 PM	#11
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	Only if J. Long, Dorsey, and Ellis are gone.
Posts: 59,997

04-10-2008, 05:04 PM	#12
BigVE Veteran Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: centralKs Casino cash: $10005250	Hopefully Atlanta will take Ryan and it won't be an issue either way. __________________ Meh.
Posts: 4,829