Clipboard Kings: Assessing The Falcons QB Depth

PART 10 IN A SERIES:

We hear it every year at this time, the backup quarterback is one of the most important positions on the roster.  Whether it is or not is a debate for another time, but it’s under the microscope now more than ever as teams try to justify how many resources, or in some cases how few, they’ve committed to the position….and you hear reports of young QB’s who are just “killing it” in their mini-camps.

The position can either be rendered completely irrelevant: Jim Sorgi never getting his uniform dirty in meaningful situations backing up Peyton Manning from 2004 – 2010.  Or franchise altering: The Colts never addressing the position appropriately, team goes 2-14 without Manning in 2011, total housecleaning, first pick, Manning moves on, Andrew Luck now in place. 

I thought it would be interesting to take a look at every team’s backup situation.  These aren’t grades, just an overall look at the total sum of each team’s outlook if their starter were to go down.  I’ll consider the immediate situation and the longer-term picture.

I’ll go in order of my NFL Power Rankings 1.0, published May 10th.

Today, the Atlanta Falcons:

 STARTER: Matt Ryan (4th Ryan)

PROJECTED BACKUP: Chris Redman (12th Year)

Redman’s claim to fame (or infamy, to be more precise) may be that he will forever be known as one of the 6 QB’s to be drafted ahead of Tom Brady in 2000.  In fact, Redman was drafted WAY ahead of him….. in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens after finishing his career at Louisville as the NCAA’s career leader in pass attempts and completions.  Serious back and shoulder injuries derailed his career with the Ravens and after a couple other failed tryouts the NFL was seemingly done with him.  But in 2007 his old college coach Bobby Petrino came calling during his short and ill-fated stint as head coach of the Falcons.  It may have been the only positive thing Petrino did in Atlanta.  When given the chance, Redman has proven to be a solid, dependable backup who can win games when called upon.  He’s smart and disciplined, and isn’t likely to throw a costly interception.  Think Shaun Hill.  He doesn’t often force the ball when nothing’s there.  Consequently he’s not a guy who’s going to go out and throw for 400 yards either, but with the supporting cast he has in Atlanta, Redman is a reliable option should the Falcons need to call on him for a short stint as starter.

Verdict: Solid

PROJECTED 3RD QB: John Parker Wilson (3rd Year)

Wilson has served as the Falcons designated 3rd QB the last two seasons, but don’t expect much more.  He’s a capable signal-caller with some ability to move around, but he has a deliberate release and an average arm.  Hard worker from a great football background.  Fits the profile of 3rd QB perfectly, but you wouldn’t want to have to rely on him as a long-term starter should your top two guys go down.

Verdict: Limited

OTHER CONTENDERS: Dominique Davis (Rookie)

This wouldn’t be the first time Davis backed up Ryan.  He was at Boston College in 2008 before getting in trouble and having to transfer.  He eventually landed at East Carolina and set a few records during his two years as a starter.  Undrafted in April, Davis has an uphill climb with the Falcons 3-deep QB group set for the last couple of seasons.

Verdict: Practice Squad Candidate

SUMMARY:  Redman is a reliable safety net should Ryan suffer an injury, but entering his 12th year in the league he’s 34 years old.  The Falcons have chosen not to invest a single draft pick in the position since they took Ryan with the 3rd pick in 2008.  They will need to do so soon.  Neither Wilson nor Davis project as future impact players, so after Redman the cupboard is bare.