Matt Ryan To Atlanta Falcons…

Well, the plan is now clear for the Atlanta Falcons - Chris Redman will start at QB until Matt Ryan is ready to take the reigns.

This pick wasn’t going to be an offensive linemen after Miami took Jake Long, so now Atlanta at least has hope for the future at the signal caller position.

Stay tuned, as the Falcons need to draft offensive linemen and defensive linemen during the remainder of this draft.

Put Ryan on the dynasty radar for now, though we don’t expect fireworks to go off any time soon, as he has a lot to learn, and Atlanta needs to add to their offensive line before putting him in the ballgame and getting him concussed.

NFL Draft: First Round Fantasy Impact

Many media outlets track the NFL Draft. But few track it like we do, breaking down the fantasy impact of every single key pick. Although there wasn’t a single wide receiver taken in round one, the IDP impact is huge, and the running back situation was shaken up quite a bit, especially for the fantasy owners of Willie Parker. Check out our complete analysis of the first round from a fantasy perspective - collateral damage included. Read more

Redskins To Draft Phillip Merling?

Based on the fact that basically the entire Redskins organization attended a private workout for Clemson DE Phillip Merling, we can assume he’s a front runner for the 21st overall pick. The ‘Skins desperately need pass rushing help, and could easily target solid WRs in the second, third and fourth rounds.

Discuss this more in our forums.

Kenny Phillips Is Coveted…

Word is that the Giants REALLY want Miami safety Kenny Phillips with the 31st overall pick in the draft. Safety is a primary need for the Super Bowl Champs, and he just may be avaialble, although Dallas is considering him with one of their two first round choices.

Discuss this more in our forums.

Miami To Make Move For Campbell…

No-Offseason has learned that the Miami Dolphins will make a move on draft day to acquire a late first round pick and select University of Miami DE Calias Campbell. The 6′7″ monster DE made one pre-draft visit, and that was with the ‘Phins. He’s a perfect 3-4 two-gap DE.

The Dolphins are likely to move Jason Taylor on draft day, and the two could actually be part of the same deal. More to come on this.

Discuss this more in our forums.

Falcons To Pass On Matt Ryan?

No-Offseason is now hearing that the dirty birds would pass on Boston College QB Matt Ryan even if the Rams take Glenn Dorsey number two overall. The Falcons would trade down to take USC DT Sedrick Ellis, or just make him the third overall pick.

With four of the draft’s top forty picks, they can absolutely get another top QB later on in the draft.

Bills Eyeing Michigan State’s Devin Thomas…

Word is that the Buffalo Bills are taking a serious look at drafting 6′2″ MSU WR Devin Thomas with the 11th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Thomas would bring a perfect combination of size and speed across from Lee Evans, and become an instant fantasy option.

His presence would help making Buffalo’s offense one of the NFL’s elite, likely helping the development of 2007 rookies Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards.

NFC West & South Draft Needs

The NFC West & South round out our NFL Draft preview, as we examine the needs and potential picks of several teams - including who second-year Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt will look to add to his squad in the wake of Anquan Boldin requesting a trade. Read more

Bengals Want Rashard Mendenhall?

A few weeks ago, we selected Rashard Mendenhall for Cincy in our Quick Hits mock draft. Now, according to ESPN’s John Clayton, we may have been right on the money. Mendenhall would give the Bengals a solid RB of the future, and potentially beat out Rudi Johnson from day one.

He’d certainly be a top dynasty prospect should he go to a team like Cincy, where he’d have a legit shot to step in and play a solid role right away.

The Ocho Cinco Saga Continues

How are the Cincinnati Bengals actually supposed to prepare for the 2008 NFL Draft with Chad Johnson running his freaking mouth constantly, and now threatening to retire if he’s not traded? We appreciate what Cincy’s trying to do by making him honor his contract, but as the kicking and screaming continues they’ll be forced to trade him - so they might as well do it on draft day and get the most value out of him. Read more

Jason Taylor Makes Demands…

Word is that Jason Taylor will threated to retire if he’s traded to a non-contender. He’ll also demand a new contract from any team he’s dealt to.

Okay, so this implies that he’s going to get traded. Miami is expected to make some moves and try and get back into the first round on Saturday to pick U-M QB Chad Henne, Auburn OLB/DE Quentin Groves or Florida DE Derrick Harvey.

A trade out of Miami to a true 4-3 team might be great for Taylor’s fantasy value.

Jets Want McFadden Now?

All of the sudden the Jets are apparently concerned about the Raiders drafting Darren McFadden and are interested in trading up for the Arkansas running back.

Even though Jake Long is off the board already, things could get interesting on draft day, as the most explosive offensive player in the draft is now back in demand.

If he lands in New York, we like his fantasy value much more than if he were to land in Oakland. Thomas Jones is 30 and would likely fade out of the picture as the season goes by, and Leon Washington and Jesse Chatman will be relegated to clean up and special teams duties.

The Jets are also seriously considering taking Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the sixth overall pick should the Falcons pass, as they’re definitely not sold on the future of Kellen Clemens. Such a situation could cause the Ravens to consider trading up to get Ryan as well.