Ryan had a solid rookie year and showed great promise for the future. He proved to be very consistent with nine games of over 200 yards passing. With a good young offense including favorite target Roddy White, Ryan could be a sleeper at the position for next year. Draft as a #2 quarterback but don’t be surprised getting greater value in return.
('09 Proj: 3,650 yds, 19 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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Ryan had a tremendous rookie season and exhibited poise and composure beyond his years. These attributes will serve him well this season as he builds on his already formidable chemistry with Roddy White and puts up even better numbers. The sky is the limit for this youngster.
('09 Proj: 3,700 yds, 21 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) ~Frank Mazzola
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The 2008 Rookie of the Year was an instant success last year, hooking up for a touchdown on his very first regular season pass. Even with a primary run first offense featuring the underrated (at the time) Michael Turner, Ryan still managed to throw for 3,440 yards and a positive touchdown/interception ratio of 16:11. This year, the playbook should open up and I look for Ryan to take the next step as a quarterback.
("09 Proj: 3700 yards, 24 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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Matty Ice is exactly why you don’t need to draft a superstud quarterback early in next year’s draft. Get your running backs and your stud wideout first; then come back in the middle rounds and grab a guy like Ryan. Nothing will change in 2009 from 2008, except that he’ll be better with a year’s experience. Experience that included the playoffs.
('09 Proj: 3,300 yds, 18 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) ~Jeremy Fischer
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The undisputed best surprise of 2009. His combination of statistical success (just the second rookie to throw for 3,000 yards) and team success (the Falcons experienced a seven-win turnaround and made the playoffs) were unprecedented in the history of the league. He’s likely not quite ready to make the jump to premier fantasy quarterback; and though he will be overvalued on draft day, he’s a top-10 passer with upside.
('09 Proj: 3600 yds, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) ~Stan Feldman
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What’s not to like?! All the guy did was come into the league and start all 16 games, completing over 61% of his passes for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns while only throwing 11 picks. Despite having squat for receivers other than Roddy White. I don’t think he’ll be a #1 fantasy quarterback until the Falcons get another top notch receiver but there is no doubt in my mind he’s close.
('09 Proj: 270-440, 3,510 yards, 20 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) ~Robb Perkins
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What's not to like? Great question Robb. First, we have a rookie QB that was propped up last year by some serious attempts (and yards per attempt) by the combo of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. They had an insane combined 471 attempts. Only Baltimore attempted to run the ball more than Atlanta last year. That cannot continue. If it does, it's not if but when one of them misses extensive time. And if the running game falters, Ryan will fold like a card table. He's simply not ready to put Atlanta in his back. 2009 will be a delicate juggling act to decrease Turner's workload and keep Ryan's exposure to a minimum. I think he's going to be a fantastic fantasy QB from 2010 on. I get a wierd feeling I can't fully articulate about this season specifically though.
('09 Proj: 3,200 yds, 15 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) ~Rick Perkins