The QB position is filled with glory hounds. Win or lose, for better or worse, the QB has a tendency to grab the spotlight and grab the glory, or take the blame. Teams can win big games without great QB's. The Ravens did it with Trent Dilfer, the Bucs with Brad Johnson, but in each case the QB was at least competent and knew how to win without big plays, just playing intelligently and not turning the ball over. No matter how you look at it, the QB is a vital part of the game.

This is why every year the most overanalyzed position in the draft is that of the QB. This is why guys like Alex Smith get taken number one overall. This is why for every Peyton Manning you have an Andre Ware, Jim Drukenmiller, Akili Smith and Cade McNown. Teams are desperate for that next great QB who will lead them to the big game, or at least be good enough just to get them there.

This year will be no different and offers a mixed bag of prospects that nearly everyday seem to be taking their stock status in a different direction. One day there seems to be three to four bona-fide first rounder's, the next day there's question marks surrounding them all that could cause anyone of them to stumble into round two. Regardless of what happens tomorrow and without further adieu here's how I see this years QB class rounding itself out.

1)Matt Ryan- Boston College: 6-5 224, 43 games played, 60% completion rate, 9313 passing yards, 56 TD to 37 Int.

What the scouts are saying:
Ryan has the size, accuracy and field presence that NFL teams are looking for. He is a natural leader, both on and off the field and is committed to putting in the necessary time in the film room and workout facilities to become a complete player. The biggest knocks on Ryan at this point are questions of overall athleticism and his arm strength. While he has the accuracy on short and intermediate passes, his lack of arm strength leads to a highly inconsistent deep ball game.

My Dish:
Ryan may not wow anyone with mind blowing arm strength or ridiculous mobility, in the end he gets the job done and he does it well. Ryan is cool and calm under pressure and knows how to win. All the negative talk he has received recently is likely some team posturing in hopes of detracting potential suitors and hoping he stumbles into their lap come draft day. When it's all said and done, Ryan will be off the board early perhaps as high as number 3 overall where Atlanta sits and waits.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about 2008 NFL Draft predictions?
We want to hear your view. Write now!