As much as the Falcons tried to make their recent minicamp about the team, it turned out being about first-round draft pick Matt Ryan, the quarterback of the not-so-distant future.

To emphasize the point, the final exercise of the three-day session was a two-minute drill, with Ryan working with most of the No. 1 offensive personnel against the No. 3 defense. Ryan completed all five passes he threw, including a minicamp-ending touchdown.

"We are not going to rule out anything in terms of who is going to start," coach Mike Smith said. "We are not going to put a ceiling on any of our players whether if it's the quarterback, offensive tackle, linebacker. We are going to let them go out and compete.

"I will say this: the quarterback position is probably one of the more difficult positions to make the transition. But if any body can do it, Matt is a guy that can."

Chris Redman is the starter for now and he looked much better than Ryan at all facets of the game. Redman had an April mini-camp to learn some of the nuances that Ryan was learning, however, the gap is closing.

After the first practice at mini camp, Ryan asked for DVDs of the workout and of the offense so he could get up to speed. During the evening practice, he was getting veterans properly aligned or set in motion when the call dictated as much.

Even more impressive was Ryan's interaction with his teammates. He immediately acted as if he belonged, without being overbearing. His humble assertiveness was appreciated by teammates, who, by the end of minicamp were calling him by the nickname he earned at Boston College, "Matty Ice."

Though hardly a full representation of the cynical overall fan base, the 4,000 or so fans that attended the three open practices were very supportive of Ryan. His No. 2 jersey was sold at a souvenir trailer and dozens of people, from kids to adults, sported his jersey more than any other players.

Ryan's insertion as the starter in 2008 will be determined by much more than how well he learns the scheme, adjusts to opposing defenses and how he plays in preseason. The offensive line remains a work in progress and everyone has to get in sync with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey's new system.

Regarding that system, tailback Michael Turner, signed from San Diego to a six-year, $34.5 million contract, said things would be basic enough for any quarterback, as long as the Falcons stick to the blueprint.

"The running back room knows it's on them this year," Turner said. "We're going to take care of the quarterback, whoever the starting quarterback may be."

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.