A look at what the Atlanta Falcons got for Matt Ryan

We could go on about how the Atlanta Falcons did not get nearly enough back for quarterback Matt Ryan, the Colts simply got away with robbery, but that is now in the past and we finally know who the Falcons essentially got in exchange for Matt Ryan.

Back in March, it was announced that the Falcons had traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for the 82nd pick in this year’s draft.

Who ended up being drafted by the Falcons with the Matt Ryan pick?

By the time the Atlanta Falcons were on the clock with the 82nd pick, they had already made a selection in the third round, that being quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder will be expected to take over for Matt Ryan and build his own legacy in Atlanta at some point, no one knows exactly when just yet.

Anyways, with the 82nd pick, the Falcons took DeAngelo Malone, a pass rusher out of Western Kentucky.

We can now say that Atlanta traded Matt Ryan for DeAngelo Malone, perhaps Malone becomes an elite player in this league but for now, it is quite obvious that the Falcons got fleeced. 

Malone was the choice because the team needs all the help they can get on the defensive line, he will be expected to add some juice as an outside pass rusher.

DeAngelo was extremely productive at Western Kentucky and the general consensus around him is that his size is concerning as he might not be big enough to take on NFL competition but despite that he played bigger than he really is in college. It will be interesting to see if he can continue to produce the necessary power as an NFL pass rusher.

Nonetheless, DeAngelo Malone will be counted on, as will Arnold Ebiketie, from day one as the Atlanta Falcons need so much help at edge rusher. Hopefully, Malone will become a star player as it will lessen the blow of trading away Matt Ryan for such little in return.