While all of the talk has been focused on Geno Smith and Matt Barkley, E.J. Manuel has been slowly climbing his way up draft boards. The Florida State prospect has been busy working out with quite a few of the teams looking to grab a quarterback for the 2013 season.
It all began with a workout session for the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Since then, Manuel has worked out with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Bengals. Both Buffalo and Jacksonville could be eyeing Manuel quite heavily as an early second-round selection, assuming Smith is off the board in round one. For the latter two teams, Philadelphia and Cincinnati, it appears as if the two teams are just working out a prospect they find appealing. With both teams having quality starter in Nick Foles and Andy Dalton respectively, it would be surprising to hear them draft Manuel in the early rounds.
So what does Manuel think about his NFL potential? “If a team wants to take a shot on me—and I think they should, they’ll get a great quarterback…somebody who is really going to help their franchise.”
The former Seminole stands at whopping 6-foot-5 inches and weighs 237 pounds, a more than ideal size for a quarterback at the next level. Manuel is the poor man’s Cam Newton, possessing nearly the same amount of mobility minus the physicality of the current Panthers QB. He posted a 4.65 40-yard dash time for scouts at the NFL Combine.
One thing is for sure, Manuel has captured the attention of NFL personnel. He has posted his invite to the NFL Draft on his Instagram account, and there is speculation that he could possibly hear his name called among talented prospects like Smith and Barkley.
Manuel could care less.
“I’m a big believer in working. I’m not really worried about what Matt or Geno or those other guys are doing. That’s not to disrespect anybody. I don’t watch the NFL Network or read the mock drafts. I focus on what I can do to get better.”
Manuel plain and simple is a winner. In his collegiate career, he posted a record of 25-6 as a starter and joins fellow Mountaineer Pat White as the only college players in FBS history to win four consecutive bowl games. For reference, another Seminole by the name of Christian Ponder was selected 12th overall in 2011. Manuel has all the physical tools of Ponder, with more of an upside.
The major flaw is the dynamic QBs game is in his consistency. Manuel struggles to diagnose defenses and make the proper reads at times. His talent is still raw, but the arm strength and skill-set are there. Still, Manuel must improve on his awareness in the pocket to succeed in the new-look NFL, which has a greater emphasis on the passing game.
So what does Manuel think about his NFL potential?
“If a team wants to take a shot on me—and I think they should, they’ll get a great quarterback…somebody who is really going to help their franchise.”
