Should the Atlanta Falcons target Ryan’s replacement in the draft?

Matt Ryan’s time with the Atlanta Falcons is closer to the end than the beginning, this we know as the veteran heads into his age 37-season. Sitting with the 8th overall pick in the draft Atlanta has to at least consider whether or not it is time to take a quarterback.

The quarterback class appears to be thin this season, however, there are not many teams inside the top ten that are expected to take a quarterback. It isn’t unreasonable to think Atlanta could draft one of the top two quarterbacks available in the draft.

Leaving the obvious question, should they? Unless he goes the Tom Brady route Matt Ryan is nearing the end of his career and Atlanta doesn’t have any future at the position. However, now isn’t the right time for Atlanta to take a shot at the position early in the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have far too many issues to address to waste an early pick on the quarterback position

As tempting as it may be to attempt to draft the quarterback of the future now isn’t the time. Matt Ryan is the starter next season and still owed a massive contract most of which is guaranteed over the next two seasons.

If Atlanta opts to draft a quarterback they should wait until late in the draft using their earlier picks to draft players who will have a chance to start. Ryan isn’t the problem in the Atlanta offense, it is the lack of protection and receiver depth that killed the Atlanta offense in 2021.

Despite what the stats may say Ryan is playing at the same level we have seen the veteran play for the last decade. At least for one more season, Ryan should remain the unquestioned starter as Arthur Smith continues to rebuild.

Finding the quarterback of the future with likely be part of Smith’s tenure but the timing isn’t right. With few great quarterback prospects in the draft and Ryan locked in for another season now isn’t the time to draft competition.