It is no secret that there are a number of teams needing a quarterback in this years draft. Among the top eight selections five teams are unsure of their quarterback situation heading into next season. Top ranked quarterback Matt Ryan of Boston College could go to any of these five teams.
Ever since Dan Marino hung up his shoulder pads the Miami Dolphins have been searching for somebody to fill the void. Although Miami looks to be leaning towards one of the Long's the Dolphins may trade down and take Ryan. If Miami does not get their quarterback in the first round look for them to take Brian Brohm of Lousiville to kick off the second round.
Sitting at number three the Atlanta Falcons are also pondering their options at quarterback. They have Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich, who both had sub par seasons. Atlanta could use a Matt Ryan, but they may look later in the draft at either Brohm or Chad Henne out of Michigan.
Most mock drafts and NFL analysists have Matt Ryan going to the Kansas City Chiefs. I doubt this will happen, the Chiefs are pretending to show interest in Ryan in attempt to get Baltimore to trade up I believe the Chiefs will look for help on defense, possible a Sedrick Ellis, but with Brodie Croyle on their roster i believe the Chiefs will take him into next season as their quarterback.
The sixth pick belongs to the New York Jets. The Jets likely have the best quarterback situation of these teams. With a banged up Chad Pennington, and a young Kellen Clemens the Jets could take Ryan if he is available with the sixth pick, but like the Chiefs I believe the Jets will look to address other issues.
With the seventh pick belonging to the New England Patriots the Baltimore Ravens are the next team in need of a quarterback. With Steve McNair announcing his retirement the Ravens are left with Troy Smith, and Kyle Boller. Neither of which are franchise quarterbacks. If Ryan is available with the eighth pick the Ravens will gladly take him. However, it may take a trade up in the draft to assure that the Ravens get their quarterback .
After Matt Ryan teams will still have the oppurtunity to pick up a decent QB. With names like Brian Brohm, and Chad Henne looking like second to third round picks don't panic if your team misses out on Ryan. Also John David Booty may show up in the later rounds for teams thinking to address future QB needs. Dennis Dixon of Oregon and Andre Woodson of Kentucky would also be some nice pickups at QB as they are both dynamic dual threat QB's.
