Fun discussion: Ryan or Russell

[FalconFan33]

We were having a huge debate on the Falcons forum about who would you rather take, and of course (being biased), most of us took Ryan over Russell. The majority of us think Russell's skills are too raw, and arm power is over rated. As for Ryan, he's one of the smartest QB's to come out in awhile, and he's got the intangibles of a future pro bowler.

I would honestly take Russell, just because of that huge frame, the strongest arm the NFL has ever seen, and is still more mobile then Ryan. Either way, I'm hoping we have a franchise QB, and the Raiders can ride on Russell for a long time.

[trur8r]

Arm power Overrated?? Come on lets be serious here. If Matt Ryan would have entered the NFL draft last year he would have been a 2nd round pick.

[Raider Ran]

Thanks for the homeristic slant. Future HOFer...Maybe U need to have him play a couple games before getting out the polish for the HOF bust. Russell's arm strength overrated, you have to be kidding. He may be a bit raw but arm strength is not a problem at all this guy can throw a 60 yard bullet.

[FalconFan33]

Originally Posted by trur8r

Arm power Overrated?? Come on lets be serious here. If Matt Ryan would have entered the NFL draft last year he would have been a 2nd round pick.

you have to admit that people look at it more then they should. Byron Leftwich had an absolute rocket launcher of an arm, which is why we signed him to a 2 year deal, look what he did with us. I'm not saying that Russell has an absolute amazing arm, and has huge potential, but 1st overall pick over arm power is a little confusing in my opinion.

[Jnova]

While I think Russell may have been a tad overrated coming out, I think Matt Ryan is ridiculously overrated.

Ryans skill set doesnt impress me, at all. His arm is strong enough,but hes no Brett Favre. However, he is a lot like Favre in the sense that he makes a lot of careless throws and bad decisions. He threw a lot of interceptions in college and he will throw even more in the NFL if he doesnt improve his decision making.

Seems to like throwing off his back foot a lot as well, that will get him killed at this level. And unlike the Brett Favres of the world he doesnt have the arm strength to get away with it.

For all I know Ryan may become a Hall of Fame QB and Russell may be a bust. Who will be the better player? Time will tell. If I had the choice right now I would take Russell everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. Hell, I would take Brady Quinn over Matt Ryan.

[trur8r]

Originally Posted by FalconFan33

you have to admit that people look at it more then they should. Byron Leftwich had an absolute rocket launcher of an arm, which is why we signed him to a 2 year deal, look what he did with us. I'm not saying that Russell has an absolute amazing arm, and has huge potential, but 1st overall pick over arm power is a little confusing in my opinion.

I'm sure the Raiders drafted him number 1 because of different variables and not just his arm strength. He made some bad decisions last year against Jacksonville and improved against the Chargers. He needs a full season behind center to improve his game and show everyone why he was selected number 1. He has some weapons to work with now and seeing him and McFadden work together is going to be exciting. Matt Ryan will struggle IMO because the Falcons lack a lot of talent, i'm sure he's a smart QB but you still need a good supporting cast to be a winner.

[Raider Ran]

I think Ryan is overrated. If you did not take him he would have dropped to the lower 1st round most likely.

[trur8r]

Originally Posted by Raider Ran

I think Ryan is overrated. If you did not take him he would have dropped to the lower 1st round most likely.

I think the Ravens wanted him bad but that's not saying a lot with how the QB class looked this year. Again, he would have been a 2nd round pick last year and I find it hilarious that some pro scouts think he's better then Russell. I bet if Russell wasn't a Raider they wouldn't be saying that.

[diff]

It will take a few years to find out. Russell is getting some talent around him and has a year of learning our system. Atlanta has no talent. I think Turner is the next Lamont Jordan. You never know. Maybe Ryan and Russell will be busts. I take Russell given the choice.

[Jnova]

Originally Posted by FalconFan33

you have to admit that people look at it more then they should. Byron Leftwich had an absolute rocket launcher of an arm, which is why we signed him to a 2 year deal, look what he did with us. I'm not saying that Russell has an absolute amazing arm, and has huge potential, but 1st overall pick over arm power is a little confusing in my opinion.

Leftwich has that awkward, long wind up motion where he basically telegraphs where every throw is going. Thats always been his problem.

While Russell may not have the quickest release its certainly better than Leftwich.

I actually agree that his arm strength might be slightly overrated. His arm is certainly strong enough but its not the best Ive ever seen. I think Jeff George has the strongest arm Ive ever seen, that guy could throw a 50 yard bomb on a frozen rope.

All things considered, I think Ryans (football) intelligence is FAR more overrated than Russells arm strength. Ryan makes terrible decisions and he wont get away with that in the NFL.

[Raider Ran]

Originally Posted by trur8r

I think the Ravens wanted him bad but that's not saying a lot with how the QB class looked this year. Again, he would have been a 2nd round pick last year and I find it hilarious that some pro scouts think he's better then Russell. I bet if Russell wasn't a Raider they wouldn't be saying that.

Some pro scouts thought that Robert Gallery was the best LT prospect to ever come out of college. Remember he scored the highest grade in the history of the combine. Now he is a good LG.