With no clear-cut #1 Quarterback on the board, it is hard to predict where the top four Quarterbacks Matt Ryan (Boston College), Brian Brohm (Louisville), Joe Flacco (Delaware) and Chad Henne (Michigan) could end up. Let’s take a look at teams that could use help at the quarterback position and the possibility of drafting one on day 1.
Miami: It is hard to get a good feel for QB John Beck’s abilities based on last season, especially since a supporting cast was non-existent during the four games he started. Parcell’s could go for a QB in the 2008 draft, but it will not be in the first round. A QB like Joe Flacco or Chad Henne could be available when Miami picks again in the second round. Miami looks to favor Henne over Flacco.
Atlanta: The Falcons are expected to draft a QB within the first two rounds, especially since they have four picks within the first forty-eight. The Falcons could either draft the top QB at the #3 pick, or bundle some draft picks to move back into the first round to acquire one. QB Chris Redman will most likely be the starter this season for Atlanta, which will allow a newly drafted quarterback to come up to speed. Look for the Falcons to address the need for a DT in the first round, and trade back into the round to get a quarterback like Brian Brohm.
Kansas: Some feel that Brodie Croyle is the franchise QB of this team; others feel the Chiefs will draft a QB in the first two rounds. It is tough to imagine the Chiefs not addressing the need at OT position first. Then again it might be tough to pass on a quarterback like Matt Ryan to build the future of the Chiefs around. If Jared Allen is traded, Kansas could have bigger needs than a QB, or additional draft picks to get one later in the draft. This one trade could totally change the drafting plans of the Kansas City Chiefs!
Baltimore: QB Steve McNair is now retired, and Kyle Boller has not been the answer to the Raven’s QB question since being drafted. Troy Smith played well in short duty last year. If QB Matt Ryan is there at the 8th pick, the Ravens could have their franchise QB of the future. Ryan would be considered a steal for the Ravens at #8, but Brohm would be considered a reach. Funny since Brohm would have been a top five pick in last years draft.
Carolina: QB Jake Delhomme is coming off a serious elbow injury. Matt Moore is the only other QB waiting in the wings as of right now. It might not seem like a pressing need, but Delhomme is 33 and the Panthers could be looking for a possible long-term upgrade. It is not likely that the Panthers would draft a QB in the first round, unless Ryan slipped to them. A second round QB could be a possibility though.
Chicago: The Bears hope that QB Rex Grossman turns the corner this year, but it is possible they draft a QB if the right one is available at the right time. Chicago needs help at OT and RB. Quarterback would only be if Ryan falls this far. A good second round graded QB might not be out of the question though.
Minnesota: Some say the Vikings need a quarterback. Brad Childress drafted Tarvaris Jackson, so it is not likely Childress feels he needs another starting QB. It does not mean the Vikings could not add some help at the quarterback position though. Don’t expect to see one of the top four in a Vikings Uniform. Then again, no one thought the Vikings would draft a running back in the first round last year.
Green Bay: With Brett Farve retiring and Aaron Rogers’s an unproven commodity, backup QB help could definitely be addressed via the draft. Remember, Rogers was drafted in this same fashion! With no real pressing needs, Green Bay could get a real bargain for a backup quarterback in the first round.
Final Predictions:
Matt Ryan (Boston College): Round 1, Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Brohm (Louisville): Round 1, Atlanta Falcons (trade back into round 1)
Joe Flacco (Delaware): Round 2, Baltimore Ravens
Chad Henne (Michigan): Round 2, Miami Dolphins
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