Think they'll draft a QB?


Around and around they go in the NFL's version of the revolving door.

Michael Vick stepped in and came out the other side in manacles, bound for federal prison. Byron Leftwich entered it, but got chewed up and unceremoniously spat out after two starts.

We're talking about the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback job, of course, which may be an undertaking more hazardous than sailing through the Bermuda Triangle. This has become the sort of job where careers go to die.

Joey Harrington became the latest casualty when the Falcons released him Wednesday after one uninspiring season that included 10 starts, seven touchdown passes, eight interceptions and multiple benchings.

This leaves Atlanta with Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley and makes it a certainty that the franchise will use one of its draft picks to select a quarterback.

There's been much speculation that Boston College's Matt Ryan could be the guy at the No. 3 spot in the first round. If I'm calling the shot, I pass on him and take Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to improve a weak offensive line. Now that Michael Turner has been signed, there's no need to think about Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, the best pure talent in the draft.

Here's what gives me pauses about Ryan: He's not especially mobile and he surrendered 19 interceptions as a senior. Yes, he engineered some nice comebacks in college and possesses a presence. But the Falcons would be better served to first strengthen their line play (offensive or defensive) and secure a quarterback later in the draft.

If the Falcons trade DeAngelo Hall and get another first round pick out of it, there's a possibility of grabbing Delaware's Joe Flacco, who drew raves at the NFL combine and the Senior Bowl. Beyond him, a player like Tennessee's Erik Ainge might represent the next best option.