{mosimage} Arguably the best quarterback prospect in the 2008 NFL Draft, Matt Ryan has the prototypical build (6-5, 220 lb) that NFL scouts want to see for the position, along with perhaps the best all-around skill set of any QB available. An intelligent signal caller who puts in extra time studying game film, Ryan has all the intangibles needed to run an offense, and over the course of his college career he has demonstrated considerable leadership skills.

A highly accurate passer even when on the run, Ryan also possess a good arm and can complete all the required intermediate throws that the position calls for, though there are still questions about his arm strength on the deeper passes. Complementing his passing skills are his pocket mobility and ability to avoid the rush, two traits that are highly desirable in today's NFL. Ryan has also drawn praise for his fluid drop back motion and for his ability to set up quickly.

Winner of the 2007 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, annually given to the most outstanding senior quarterback in college football, Ryan enjoyed a fabulous senior season at Boston College. It was a season that saw the heralded prospect pass for 4,507 yards, completing 388 passes on 654 attempts for 31 touchdowns in the process. Along the way, Ryan enjoyed four 400 yard passing games, and a three touchdown performance in a 2007 Champs Sports Bowl victory against Michigan State.

Given his talent and potential, it's hard to conceive that Matt Ryan will not be taken in the first round of the Draft, and most Football Analysts currently have him down as a Top 5 pick. If it remains that way, the most likely scenario has him going as third overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons who suffered through a disastrous 2007 season after losing starting quarterback Michael Vick before the start of the year, are in need of a major overhaul and a new starting quarterback, making Ryan the perfect pick for the struggling franchise. Though there is always the outside possibility that Miami, who holds the number one pick overall, will draft him first. Of late, it has been rumored that the Dolphins went as far as asking Boston College for game film on Ryan.

In the unlikely event that he falls out of the Top 5, look for the Baltimore Ravens with the 8th overall pick to draft him. It is doubtful that Ryan will fall beyond that.

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