Should The Falcons Take QB Pat Devlin In The 2011 NFL Draft?

by Dave Choate on Apr 3, 2011 8:00 AM EDT in Falcons News

The question comes to us via ESPN's Pat Yasinskas, who is really coming in from left field on this one.

On one hand, it's easy to see his point when he calls for the Falcons to draft Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin. Chris Redman isn't getting any younger, and nobody has any idea what John Parker Wilson is capable of. Devlin's not a great prospect—he's widely projected to go in the fifth round or later—but he's a talented guy with a lot of developmental potential.

But do the Falcons need a quarterback? I don't think any of us would argue that it's among the most pressing needs this off-season, but I certainly think it's a good idea to get a long-term backup ready. If the team believes that's JPW, then the draft isn't the place to address it. Otherwise, a guy like Devlin or Tyrod Taylor might be pretty intriguing.

Give the article from Yasinskas a full read and then start the discussion. I'll pop in and offer a lengthier opinion at some point.

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Ummm Well.......

Not so sure this would be my pick of a QB. Redman isnt getting any younger but knows the system well, JPW hasnt shown much at all that tells me hes not our #3 man for sure either. Heaven forbid something happen to Matty Ice! Not saying there isnt a good quality #3 out there but honestly like Ricky Stanzi from Iowa to be a sleeper. He may not be on the board for us to take but think he would be worth us looking at him if he is.

by Winged Preditor on Apr 3, 2011 8:38 AM EDT reply actions

Sounds good to me, and not because he's from Pennsylvania.

Devlin was an extremely efficient and accurate short-range passer in a very specific offense. Without looking it up I think his last TD-INT ratio was like 22-2 or something absurd like that. When he’s on, he looks unstoppable. Totally boring, though. All of these things sound like the quintessential Falcons backup QB.

If we wanted a backup QB who was going to make minimal mistakes, there’s not going to be a better latter-rounder.

I am proud to be a Kennesaw State Fighting Owl. -- Vince Dooley

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by Jason Kirk on Apr 3, 2011 9:18 AM EDT reply actions

Yes, yes, and YESSSSSSSSSS

I like the reasons that Pat states in the article. Devlin really was once the #1 ranked QB in the country, ahead of Matt Ryan, and there must be some reason for that. Also, my neighbor is a Delaware fan (weird guy, mows his lawn at midnight) and keeps telling me how good Devlin is. I eventually watched some tape and Devlin looked accurate and confident, kinda like Matty Ice. However, he doesn’t have that strong of an arm, so that could be a hindrance. If he could be had in the fourth, I really wouldn’t mind.

by saipol on Apr 3, 2011 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

2 words..

Drew Bledsoe
The Pats thought they had their QB situation just right and he went down and in came 7th round wonder boy Brady. It is VITAL to have a backup QB that not only can step in and play if the starter goes down, but is also hungry enough to challenge the starter year in and year out.
So, 5th round pick? Sure, go for it. Cant be any worse than JPW.

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Apr 3, 2011 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

2 more words

Matt Shaub
We all should know the importance of a good backup who can come in, and better yet become trade bait.

by CollegePark4Life on Apr 3, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

by saipol on Apr 3, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

yuppers

Thats the truth! Of course, I was upset when we traded Schaub…

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Apr 3, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

*Schaub

"I'm about rings now"
~Arthur Blank

by CollegePark4Life on Apr 3, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I go to Delaware and have seen pretty much all of Devlin’s games. Very efficient, but nothing flashy. We really didn’t have any great receivers for him to throw to, but had an excellent back to help open up the passing. Would love to see what he could do with Roddy and Company.

Wouldn’t be a bad late round pick, I’ve seen Devlin mocked as high as Round 2-3.

We should have won the D-1A championship, blocked extra point and 4th quarter defensive lapse hurt us but Devlin played well.

by jchat3 on Apr 3, 2011 11:47 AM EDT reply actions

This draft is different...

…we dont know when or how free agency will be available, so it’s going to be extra crucial that all of our draftees fill a poition of need. There are no luxury picks. Before we look for a 3rd string Qb we need a DE, OT, WR, CB, LB, RB, and OG. If Devlin is around in the 7th then, sure, let’s grab him. Otherwise, lets look at the undrafted QBs and Free agents for training camp competition.

Falcon Fans UNITE!

by Blue Falcon on Apr 3, 2011 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

That's basically my feeling

If he lasts even into the sixth round, I’d pull the trigger. The Falcons will need a long-term, quality backup before long here, and I do think Devlin could be that guy. He’s got the arm, smarts and size to be a good player in the NFL.

by Dave Choate on Apr 4, 2011 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions

We can wait

Hes a good tall QB but we can wait. Plus he was late to his own pro day. Dont think we need a guy like that plus i have our future back up/potential starter coming out next year. Austin Davis remember the name. Reminds me of A rodge. Athletic, nice pocket presence, and crazy accuracy. He has already past favre’s record for TD’s and still has a year left. Dont believe me go watch some tape.

by pierre02 on Apr 3, 2011 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

Greg McElroy

by SBFalcon101 on Apr 3, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

Agree and I'm not a Bama fan

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Apr 3, 2011 7:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I like him

But I think John Parker Wilson can become trade bait/star QB if Matty goes down.

by ndnpride8806 on Apr 4, 2011 6:19 AM EDT reply actions

I mean...

He has a shot…

by ndnpride8806 on Apr 4, 2011 6:19 AM EDT up reply actions

He's a steal

In a few years, Devlin will have settled in as a steady NFL backup. He’s extremely inteligent and has been getting rave reviews on his understanding of concepts in the film room. He did a great job checking down to his 2nd and 3rd reads this year as well. The bogus reports on his pro day are frustrating. He didn’t show up late. One of his receivers was taking a final and got there later then planned. Pat was there early and already talking with scouts and coaches. Great to see more CAA athletes getting national attention.

by Mason06 on Apr 4, 2011 2:46 PM EDT reply actions