Atlanta Falcons: Five players to build a franchise around

Matt Ryan, QB, Age 30

Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

This was a much harder decision than you may have thought. Ryan has now crossed over into his 30’s, but i’m not going to hold that against him which is why he finds his way onto the list. Ryan has never suffered any major injuries and has shown that he can sustain a long career in the NFL.

Ryan has more than 4,000 passing yards in every season since 2011, and four seasons with 28 passing touchdowns or more. In 2014, Ryan finished as the second best quarterback against the rush and threw one of the most accurate deep balls as well.

Ryan has playoff experience, but has yet to make it to a super bowl. Critics knock Ryan for this, but why do the not slander Peyton Manning for his horrendous playoff track record? Ryan is a player I’d want to build a franchise around.