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Revisiting the Atlanta Falcons 2008 NFL Draft

By Justin Winters

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 024: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons calls out signals against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 24, 2017, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 024: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons calls out signals against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 24, 2017, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The Falcons entered the 2008 NFL Draft with two first round picks. We’ll assess both of them in the next two slides.

The pick: Matt Ryan, Quarterback, 3rd overall

Their impact: Between the regular season and playoffs, Matt Ryan has led the Falcons to a 99-69 record.

He’s led the Falcons to the playoffs in six seasons, and to the Super Bowl in 2017.

Ryan won the MVP award in 2017 after throwing for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns.

He owns several team records including career wins, passing yards, and touchdowns.

Who else was available that round?: Several Pro Bowlers were selected after Ryan went third overall.

Jerod Mayo, Ryan Clady, and Aqib Talib were all available, and have had long & successful careers in the NFL.

The 2008 Draft also saw Joe Flacco go 18th overall to the Baltimore Ravens.

Both quarterbacks will always be compared, and the main argument used to be that Flacco led his team to a Super Bowl.

Although this is true, Ryan has 6,000 more passing yards, 60 more touchdowns, and fewer interceptions.

Would they switch the pick?: Not a chance. Ryan is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Although some people might prefer Flacco, he got hot at the right time in the playoffs but is a lackluster quarterback currently.

Who knows if he could have led the Falcons to a Super Bowl, but right now, the Falcons would prefer Ryan.

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