Ranking Josh Allen among the QBs of the AFC before 2022 NFL Draft

9. Matt Ryan (Indianapolis Colts)

One of the latest additions in a zany free agency period, the 2016 NFL MVP has a new start ahead in Indy. Ryan will now play behind what may be the league’s best offensive line and with the game’s reigning rushing champion in Jonathan Taylor.

Most fans will remember Ryan from his days slinging passes to Julio Jones, Roddy White, and the great Tony Gonzalez. But one part of Ryan’s early years that reminds me of this 2022 Colts offense is his time with Michael Turner from 2008-12.

Turner led the league in carries twice in two of Ryan’s first three seasons in the NFL, as he had three years with over 1,400 yards of scrimmage while in Atlanta. Over Ryan’s first five seasons with Turner on the team, he averaged 25 TD passes against 14 INTs per season, had a 90.9 passer rating, and posted a record of 56-22.

Last year should be looked at positively for Ryan as well, though. Even with a lean roster and rookie head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons were 7-10 as Ryan connected with Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson for a surprisingly competitive season.

But even as a 14-year veteran, Ryan can still be a viable passer in Frank Reich’s creative scheme. It was so unfortunate to see the latter lose Andrew Luck after one season and the options since have all failed in some regard.

Adding Ryan appears to be the best move of them all. No offense to Carson Wentz, but the numbers lie as to what he provided with the Colts last year. At least with Ryan, you’re still getting a super accurate QB (78.1% on-target throw rate, 14.5% poor-throw rate in ‘21) who is one of the true remaining pocket passers in the game.

While he doesn’t offer much as a runner, Ryan will be a veteran presence this youthful team has lacked in recent years. The Colts have been on the cusp of a breakthrough and it could be coming in 2022.

And maybe Ryan will be able to end all those 28-3 jokes in the process.