Fantasy Football: 10 Veterans Who Benefited From the NFL Draft
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan left a lot to be desired in 2017 (finishing as the QB15) after a ridiculously good 2016 campaign (as QB2). However, Ryan's 2017 wasn't all that different from his prior seasons. His 0.19 Passing Net Expected Points per Dropback is the exact same number he posted in 2015, the year before his breakout campaign. But, when we compare that to his 0.37 Passing NEP per Dropback in 2016 how can we know which is the real Matty Ice?
Simply put, Ryan is a beast. Among 200-plus attempt passers, he has posted Passing Success Rate numbers that have ranked second (2015), first (2016), and first (2017) over the past three years. And as of Thursday, Ryan is now the highest-paid player in NFL history, as his five-year extension is worth an annual salary of $30 million.
The Falcons know what they have in Ryan -- a tremendous quarterback capable of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy -- and they are giving him the weapons to get it done. Atlanta failed to retain Taylor Gabriel, but they have replaced him with top-tier rookie receiver Calvin Ridley, out of Alabama. The club took Ridley with the 26th overall pick and will pair him with veterans Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu.
Third-year tight end Austin Hooper figures to enhance his role in 2018, following the departure of Levine Toilolo. Hooper could become a constant presence on the field by improving on his 76.68 percent snap rate from a year ago.
A new year also offers the hope of full health for what has become an injury-riddled Falcons backfield. Devonta Freeman missed time in 2017 with concussion and knee issues, but if he and running mate Tevin Coleman can stay upright all season, there may not be a quarterback in the league with more offensive weapons than Ryan.
Currently going off the board as the 14th quarterback in drafts (according to FantasyFootballCalculator.com), Ryan has top-three upside this season.
