Grading Dimitroff’s Previous First Round Picks
By John Buhler
With the NFL Draft less than a week away, let’s take a look back on how Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has used the team’s first round draft picks since coming over from New England in 2008. The grading scale will use the plus-minus system to better show the subtleties of each player’s career in a Falcons uniform.
A+(97-100), A(93-96), A-(90-92), B+(87-89), B(83-86), B-(80-82), C+(77-79), C(73-76), C-(70-72), D+(67-69), D(63-66), D-(60-62), F(0-59)
2008: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College (3rd Overall)
Unless you prefer Joe Flacco, this was the right pick for the Atlanta Falcons. The Dirty Birds were desperate to find their next franchise QB in the aftermath of Michael Vick dog fighting scandal of 2007. Ryan had a tremendously successful collegiate career for the Boston College Eagles, leading BC to an ACC Championship Game in his senior season.
Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prepares to throw the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan has made three Pro Bowls (2010, 2012, 2014) and has already eclipsed many of Steve Bartkowski’s franchise passing records in seven seasons with Atlanta. Knock on wood (tap!, tap!, tap!) but Matt Ryan has only missed two starts in Falcons uniform. His ability to stay healthy cannot be overlooked, particularly after the last two seasons where the offensive line allowed a combined 75 sacks!
Matt will have to learn a new offense once again under new OC Kyle Shanahan. The amount of turnover Ryan has experienced at OC and QB coach has never been an issue as he has thrived in each system. Ryan is a special type of quarterback who could win games for all 32 teams. With his football IQ, he reminds us of a more athletic, younger version of Broncos QB Peyton Manning.
The only criticism of Matt Ryan’s game is that he is only 1-4 in five playoff games. To be fair, each time the Falcons have lost in the playoffs with Matt Ryan under center it has been to the eventual NFC Champion, with Green Bay and New York winning Super Bowls XLV and XLVI, respectively.
Thomas Dimitroff made the best possible selection for Atlanta at 3 as Matt Ryan might end up in Canton one day as the franchise’s greatest player.
Grade: 95, A