I know there is a lot of disagreement over taking Ryan, but the “face of the franchise” deal is what it is all about. During yesterday’s press conference, A. Blank pretty much begged fans to come back to the Georgia Dome.

“Last year created some unique opportunities for us, and I just want to remind you as we face this season that we’ve cut prices on about 30,000 seats this year and the rest of the seats were held. We have season tickets starting at $250, and if this sounds like an appeal, it is an appeal.” [Source AP]

While the Vick mess upsets some fans, it creates opportunities for others such as myself who are now able to grab some seats. I figure that I will get them while they are cheap (and while the Falcons suck), and when they get better, there will be some quality football on the field. Others will be begging for seats, but the waiting list will be a mile long. Everyone loves a winner. Or Vick. It’s a divided city. On to Mel’s grade …

“Atlanta Falcons: GRADE: B
I thought they would take DT Glenn Dorsey, but the Falcons needed a face for the franchise, and had to take QB Matt Ryan. He should be a great starting point; a new era of Falcons football begins. USC OT Sam Baker wasn’t healthy in 2007, he struggled in Senior Bowl practices and he has short arms for a left tackle. I like Baker, but I thought it was a bit of a reach moving up to get him. Linebacker Curtis Lofton is a decent second-round pick, but I really like what Atlanta did in the third round, taking WR Harry Douglas, CB Chevis Jackson and safety Thomas DeCoud. Kroy Biermann is a good pass-rusher. Wilrey Fontenot played opposite Antoine Cason at Arizona, although he’ll be more of a dime back. RB Thomas Brown is not real big, and he’s going to be battling Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood for playing time in the backfield.”

I agree with on the three third round picks – DeCoud, Douglas, and Jackson will contribute this year. I read that Ryan and Baker share the same agent. The Falcons should do what it takes to get both players signed by their May 10 mini-camp.

It will be interesting to see which rookie free agents the Falcons can land. Hopefully they can find a hidden gem or two.