Senior Bowl Spotlight – EJ Manuel
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

EJ Manuel, QB Florida State University

Height: 6’5”
Weight: 240 lb
Age: 22

NFL Comparison:

Daunte Culpepper

NFL Fit:

Philadelphia Eagles

Source

Evaluation:

The most important characteristic of quarterbacking is accuracy. EJ Manuel is accurate. The most accurate of this Senior Bowl group. He’s been a 65%-70% completion passer in college. 68% as a senior on 387 attempts is exceptional.

Arguably, the second most important responsibility of a quarterback is to protect the ball. Protect the ball he does, maintaining a 2.27:1 touchdown/interception ratio over the past two seasons. While showing efficiency by averaging a healthy 8.75 yards/attempt.

Manuel has been blessed with size and athleticism. He’s a pass first guy and doesn’t run as much as you might think. But, when he does, he’s like a freight train in the open field. He’s good at extending plays because he is tough to take down. Florida State utilized him on some designed runs. He can also break the pocket to run under pressure. When he does, he keeps his eyes down field looking first for the big play. Manuel is a very accurate passer on the move.

As a traditional passer, Manuel has good footwork and throws the ball on time from a high over the top delivery. He’s commanded numerous formations from under center and out of the shotgun. He does not have the most compact throwing motion, but it is acceptable. He displays prowess in the quick timing game. We see some evidence of progressions, although many of his passes are half field reads on the roll out. He could have more velocity for his size, but he has plenty of power while also delivering a catchable ball. Throws a lot of short and intermediate passes but also demonstrates the ability to stretch field with accuracy.

Draft Concerns:

Manuel has been sacked 59 times over the last two seasons and will need to improve his pocket awareness, while learning to throw the ball away when nothing is there. No quarterback can afford that type of punishment in the NFL. It has been known to ruin young quarterbacks quickly. He has not been a prolific touchdown passer. Manuel also looks to throw more with his arm than legs. Need to see more NFL “power” throws; deep digs, deep outs, deep crossing patterns. Can he make 3rd and 4th reads.

Prediction:

EJ Manuel’s draft stock will rise throughout this offseason process. I believe he will gain a lot of traction at the Senior Bowl, and even more at the NFL Combine. His measurables will make teams drool, while his tape will support the hype. He should be drafted as a potential starter. He’s not ready to step in as a sophisticated passer like Luck, Wilson, or Griffin from day one. With some development he will become a proficient NFL passer. Possibly a top 20 NFL quarterback. Manuel’s athletic ability will help him maintain value as he progresses in the passing game. He’s not a game breaker on the run like Colin Kaepernick or RG3, he will serve more of a Russell Wilson role as a runner. His huge frame will be a feather in his cap as teams evaluate the durability issues associated with bringing in a mobile quarterback. Currently flying way under the radar, EJ Manuel has the opportunity to be one of the great values of the 2013 NFL Draft.