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Falcons' Matt Ryan Heads Strong Rookie Class

Photo - QB Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons

Rookie passer Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons continues to show rare maturity as an NFL starting QB. He has helped the surprising Falcons get in the thick of contention in the NFC South with a current 6-3 record. He leads a strong rookie class that has made an impressive impact during their first season as pros. Ryan has made few mistakes in guiding the Falcons to respectability that could shock fans with a possible playoff berth by seasons end. Ryan was our #1 overall prospect in September 2007 for the NFL Draft '08. We never moved him from the top overall spot among college prospects despite media hype of several other candidates. Ryan has the Falcons in contention only a few seasons removed from the Michael Vick debacle that left the club falling to the bottom of the NFC South. Ryan is not the only rookie QB leading a playoff contender. The Ravens are tied for the AFC North lead behind rookie Joe Flacco, a strong armed passer who has given his club the ability to get the ball down the field. Flacco is a prospect we scouted extensively over his final two seasons at Delaware. We recommended Flacco on our Senior Bowl list last October that eventually got him an invite to the premier All-Star classic. They are the two most successful rookie QBs in over a decade.
The rookie running back class has been just as impressive with the Titans' Chris Johnson, Bears' Matt Forte, Texans' Steve Slaton, Panthers' Jon Stewart, Ravens' Ray Rice and Lions' Kevin Smith all having impact on their offensive clubs. It has been the strongest group of rookie runners in over a decade and could be the watershed class of feature backs for seasons to come. Other top rookie runners Darren McFadden and Rashard Mendenhall have flashed playmaking ability prior to being hurt and missing several midseason games.