Mid-Season NFL Rookies of the Year

Mid-Season NFL Rookies of the Year:

Offense:

“Nothing against Eddie but he is not going to rush for 1,000 yards or be a feature back for NFL team.”

Who the HECK said that???? Oh wait, I did……Yeah, I am eating some crow. I was wrong on Eddie Lacy. He has become the feature back for the Packers. Now in my defense, Lacy has only 12 catches out of the backfield for 78 yards but he has been such a force in the running game. He is 12th in NFL in rushing and the next rookie running back is over 100 yards behind him. I really thought Johnathan Franklin would be a better fit for the Packers who was a 4th round pick. If Lacy keeps this up then he will rush over 1,000 yards and keep making me look bad. Let’s face it, that is what he is trying to do.

Defense:

I don’t think there has been a rookie who has made a bigger impact more than Kiko Alonso. He is tied for the lead in most interceptions this season also 2nd in the NFL with 81 tackles. Right now, he is even in the running for MVP. There has been so many question marks on the Bills offense but not on the defensive side of the ball. Alonso has been that rock and emotional leader for the defense. He is becoming a fan favorite in the great northeast. It might not be a great season for the Bills fans but they a lot to be excited about in the future.

Hard Count NFL Rookie of the Week: Oct 1st, 2013

Offense:

Yes, the Steelers are 0-4 but they do have some positive for the future. They finally got a running game to help out Big Ben. The Steelers were last in the league in rushing before they went to London, now they are 29th in the league.

(yes, there are only 32 teams in the NFL)

but it’s better then 32nd. Pittsburgh fans might not see their team in the playoff but they will seeing a young running back on the rise.

Defense:

2 times in 4 weeks, Kiko Alonso has made Defensive Rookie of the Week and it is well deserved. He has been all over the field for the Bills. Making a quarterback nightmare. This week, he was responsible for Ray Rice who was held to 5 car for 17 yards and didn’t catch the ball ONCE!

( Granted, he has a hip issue but Rice at 80% is better then any back)

For as bad as the Ravens offense was, they still had a chance to tie or win the game but Kiko shut that down with his 2nd INT in the game. Which he leads the NFL with 4 INT for a linebacker.

Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills

1:00 PM ET, September 29, 2013

Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY

 

72^°FHigh

Partly Cloudy

Chance of rain: 10%

Wind: S at 13 mph

Humidity: 68%

 

 

Match Up to Watch:

 

E.J. Manuel vs young Ravens defense:

After a poor week against the Jets, E.J. needs to bounce back and show why he was the first quarterback taken in 2013 NFL Draft. The Ravens defense has been improving, week by week. That is one of the advantages of having a young players because they will continue to improve by each game. Yes, they lost a lot of key players but football has a saying, “Next man up!”

 

Players to Watch:

 

Baltimore:

Safety- Matt Elam

 

Buffalo:

Quarterback- E.J. Manuel

Wide Receiver- Robert Woods

Linebacker- Kiko Alonso

 

 

 

 

 

#26 Matt Elam: 5’10 208, Florida

1^st round 32^nd pick, Position- Safety

Strength:                                         

+  Does a nice job in making an impact on special teams.

+  Breaks on the ball really well. Gets there before the pass.

+  Communicates with his secondary and tells them where he is going to be.

+  Fiery guy on the field and will get his defense pumped up.

+  Hits a guy, right below the chin. Can lay a hit into someone.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Has to be more prepared before the snap.

–          Will get called for targeting because he hits too high.

–          He will face guard which will get pass interference called every time.

 

 

 

#3 E.J. Manuel: 6’5 237, Florida State

1^st round 16^th pick, Position- Quarterback

Strength:

+  Knows when to stay  in the pocket or run out.  Nice pocket awareness.

+  Does not take unnecessary hits. Knows when to slide.

+  Has great touch on the ball and can put it over  the defense.

+  Nice job with the play action fake. Deceives the defense.

+  Knows how to manage the 2 minute offense and get his team down the field.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Crosses his feet when drops back to pass.

–          Goes to the check down too quick. Reads one route then dumps it off.

–          Very loose with the football. Holds it away from his body.

 

 

 

#10 Robert Woods: 6’0 201, USC

2nd round 41st pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                      

+  Biggest strength is in his crossing or shallow routes.

+  Playmaking skills are really good. He can do  a lot in the open field.

+  Not afraid to go over  the middle and take a hit.

+  Good situational awareness and knows when to get out of bounds in 2 min drill.`

+  Has been the favorite target for his quarterback because he has been so reliable.

 

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Has some work to do on the fundamentals on punt returns.

–          Not the best at securing the football. Too many fumblems.

–          Lose his cools and will get into fights on the field.

–          Blocking skills are very weak and can not help the run game.

 

 

 

 

#50 Kiko Alonso: 6’3 238, Oregon

2^nd round 46^th pick, Position- Linebacker

Strength:   

+  A Troy Polamalu at the linebacker position.

+  He is lighting off the snap and gets into the backfield.

+  A playmaker on defense.  Creates turnovers, fumbles, interceptions and sacks.

+  Gets physical with the tight end at the line of  scrimmage.

+  Takes on blocks really well and able to stop the run game.

+  Useful in blitz package and gets pressure on QB.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Can’t turn his back to the quarterback when he is in coverage.

–          Bites way too hard on the play action and gets himself out of position.

–          Got to put himself in better position to tackle.

–          Head will get down and will miss a lot of tackles.

–          Covers too much grass when he is in zone coverage

–          Needs to use his hands to get off blocks.

Rookie QB vs Rookie QB: Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets

 

4:25 PM ET, September 22, 2013

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ 

 

72^°FHigh

Few Showers

Chance of rain: 30%

Wind: W at 8 mph

Humidity: 73%

 

 

Match up to Watch:

 

E.J. Manuel vs Geno Smith:

This is a big match. I am sure Geno has been waiting for this game since he thinks he should of been the 1st quarterback drafted in 2013 NFL Draft. Right now, in two games E.J. has looked more polish. How does Manuel bounce back after his first 4th quarter comeback?

 

Players to Watch:

 

Bills:

Quarterback- E.J. Manuel

Wide Receiver- Robert Woods

Linebacker- Kiko Alonso

Wide Receiver- Marquise Goodwin

 

Jets:

Cornerback- Dee Millner

Defensive Tackle- Sheldon Richardson

Quarterback- Geno Smith

 

 

 

 

 

#3 E.J. Manuel: 6’5 237, Florida State

1^st round 16^th pick, Position- Quarterback

Strength:

+  Knows when to stay  in the pocket or run out.  Nice pocket awareness.                        

+  Does not take unnecessary hits. Knows when to slide.                       

+  Has great touch on the ball and can put it over  the defense.                                                

+  Nice job with the play action fake. Deceives the defense.

+  Knows how to manage the 2 minute offense and get his team down the field.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Crosses his feet when drops back to pass.

–          Goes to the check down too quick. Reads one route then dumps it off.

–          Very loose with the football. Holds it away from his body.

 

#10 Robert Woods: 6’0 201, USC

2nd round 41st pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                      

+  Biggest strength is in his crossing or shallow routes.                                                 

+  Playmaking skills are really good. He can do  a lot in the open field.                          

+  Not afraid to go over  the middle and take a hit.

+  Good situational awareness and knows when to get out of bounds in 2 min drill.`

+  Has been the favorite target for his quarterback because he has been so reliable.

 

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Has some work to do on the fundamentals on punt returns.

–          Not the best at securing the football. Too many fumblems.

–          Lose his cools and will get into fights on the field.

–          Blocking skills are very weak and can not help the run game.

 

 

#50 Kiko Alonso: 6’3 238, Oregon

2^nd round 46^th pick, Position- Linebacker

Strength:   

+  A Troy Polamalu at the linebacker position.                                              

+  He is lighting off the snap and gets into the backfield.                                     

+  A playmaker on defense.  Creates turnovers, fumbles, interceptions and sacks.                                  

+  Gets physical with the tight end at the line of  scrimmage.                                                      

+  Takes on blocks really well and able to stop the run game.

+  Useful in blitz package and gets pressure on QB.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Can’t turn his back to the quarterback when he is in coverage.

–          Bites way too hard on the play action and gets himself out of position.

–          Got to put himself in better position to tackle.

–          Head will get down and will miss a lot of tackles.

–          Covers too much grass when he is in zone coverage

–          Needs to use his hands to get off blocks.

 

 

 

#88 Marquise Goodwin: 5’9 177, Texas

3^rd round 78^th pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:            

+  His double move will break ankles and DB’s have no chance to recover.                

+  Useful on special teams.  Olympic type speed.                           

+  Light feet, is able to tip toe the sideline and gain extra yards.                                             

+  Will follow his blockers  to create a big run.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          A little loose with the ball. Got to hold the football, high and tight.

–          Gets knocked off his route if you get physical with him.

–          Catches the ball with his body and not his hands.

–          Lacks some ball skills. Can’t seem to locate the ball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

#27 Dee Millner: 6’0 201, Alabama

 

1^st round 9^th pick, Position- Cornerback

 

Strength:     

 

+  Great job of reacting and breaking on the ball.                        

+  Strength is in his zone defense. Hips are fluid and open.                                                  

 

+  Always reading the QB eyes.                                                             

 

 

 

Needs Improvement:

 

–          Tackling skills are below average. Takes very poor angles.

 

–          Horrible hands, misses out on some interceptions.

 

–          Needs to drive through the blocks when he is blitzing.

 

–          Work on shedding his blocks better if he wants to be effective against the run

 

–          Played in one preseason game and was called out by his coach also teammates.

 

 

 

 

 

#91 Sheldon Richardson: 6’3 294, Missouri

 

1^st round 13^th pick, Position- Defensive Tackle

 

Strength:                             

 

+  Takes on the one on one blocks well.                                    

 

+  Very quick off the ball.                                                          

 

+  Makes a lot of plays in the backfield. Create tackle for loss.                                           

 

+  Has a great motor will chase down plays.

 

+  So athletic, that the Jets move him all over the defensive line even stand him up at times.

 

 

 

Needs Improvement:

 

–          Gets drove back in goal line situations.

 

–          Pass specialist and is very ineffective against the run.

 

–          Weak play recognitions.

 

–          Needs to use his hands more if he wants to get off blocks.

 

–          Stops his feet and unable to create a push.

 

–          Gets out of control which takes him out of the play.

 

 

 

 

#7 Geno Smith: 6’3 221, West Virginia

 

2^nd round 39^th pick, Position- Quarterback

 

Strength:     

 

+  Has great feet. Always keeps them moving to his target.                                                        

 

+  Amazing touch on the ball and can drop it in.                               

 

+  Team down 31 points and he is still pushing his team.

 

+  Accurate with the football when he is rolled out of the pocket.

 

 

 

Needs Improvement:

 

–          Weak in pocket awareness. Understand when to step up or throw the ball away.

 

–          Has some problems in bad weather.

 

–          Work on his route tree. Moving to his 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd read.

 

–          Stares down his target. Has to develop eye discipline.

 

–          Got to protect the ball better in the pocket.

 

–          If pressure gets up the middle then he throws the football off his back foot and the pass floats

 

Hard Count NFL Rookie Players of the Week: Sept 16th 2013

 NFL Rookie Players of the Week:

Offense:

E.J. Manuel

27/39 297 yds 1TD & 1 INT

No, it wasn’t the prettiest game for E.J. but he made the plays when he had to. During the whole draft process, all people were saying about was “He is a winner. He just wins games.” Well he proved that on Sunday against the Panthers. 4th quarter with 1:20 on the clock and no timeouts. Maunel drove his team down the field for a game winning touchdown. As Al Davis said, “Just win baby”

Defense:

Kiko Alonso

 10 tackles, 1 INT and 1.0 sack

Yes, we are going with an ALL Buffalo Bills rookie of the week since without these two then the Bills wouldn’t have won this game. Kiko was all over the field with an early interception then closed it out with a big sack to end it. The Panthers running game was non exsistance. When they got into the red zone, they couldn’t finish drives and had to settle for field goals which turned out to be the difference in the game.

Sunday Afternoon MVP’s

MVP:

 

Danny Amendola:

10 rec 104 yards

Yes Brady, your new best friend. Seems like Buffalo couldn’t do anything to stop Amendola and Brady. Wes who????? 10 rec for 104 yards but it seemed like he made every BIG 3rd down catch. 14 times Brady looked for Danny in the game.

 

Jordy Nelson:

7 rec 130 yards 1 TD

He made this catch….THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!!!

E.J. Manuel first NFL start: New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills

 

 

#91 Jamie Collins: 6’3 250, Southern Mississippi

2^nd round 52 pick, Position- Defensive End

Strength:                                         

+  Understands how to take on blocks and taking on the blocks at the point of attack.

+  If he doesn’t get a pass rush then he gets his hands up and deflect passes.

+  Unbelievable motor. Never quits on the play.

+  He has worked with his coaches on his hands and you can tell because he is never Velcro to a lineman.

+  Such a strong upper body, he tosses bigger offensive linemen like they are a rag doll.

+  Really sets the edge well and does not allow the big run on the outside.

Needs Improvement:

–          Has to stay at home and don’t fall for the window dressing.

–          Covers too much grass when he is in coverage.

–          Work on taking on double teams better. Can’t allow them to push you back to the 2^nd level.

#17 Aaron Dobson: 6’3 210, Marshall

2^nd round 59^th pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:            

+  Very aggressive in his blocking so he can be effective in the run game.

+  His long arms allow him to catch the ball away from  his body.

+  Strides are long so it allows him to get down the field fast.

+  Can high point the best with the best of them.

+  Able to blow the top of the defense like Randy Moss.

Needs Improvement:

–         Must understand if are facing a zone defense then don’t run into coverage.

–         Sits and waits for the pass instead of going back for the ball.

–         Coaches need to work with him on his route running.

–         Needs to spot the ball and just run to it. Keeps looking up at the ball which slows him down.

–         Catch the ball with your hands, not your body.

#26 Logan Ryan: 5’11 191, Rutgers

3^rd round 83^rd pick, Position- Cornerback

Strength:   

+  Sound tackler. Goes through the ball carrier like he is suppose to.

+  Always keeps outside leverage, preventing the big plays happening.

+  Smooth in the hips so he is able to move quick and with ease. No torque in his movement.

+  Not afraid to hit for a corner. Plays like a linebacker at times.

Needs Improvement:

–          Weak in man to man especially press man.

–          Have to take on blocks better if he wants to help in run support.

–          Face guard at times. Must be able to play the receiver and the ball as well.

#3 E.J. Manuel: 6’5 237, Florida State

1^st round 16^th pick, Position- Quarterback

Strength:

+  Knows when to stay  in the pocket or run out.  Nice pocket awareness.

+  Does not take unnecessary hits. Knows when to slide.

+  Has great touch on the ball and can put it over  the defense.

+  Nice job with the play action fake. Deceives the defense.

+  Knows how to manage the 2 minute offense and get his team down the field.

Needs Improvement:

–          Crosses his feet when drops back to pass.

–          Goes to the check down too quick. Reads one route then dumps it off.

–          Very loose with the football. Holds it away from his body.

#10 Robert Woods: 6’0 201, USC

2nd round 41st pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                      

+  Biggest strength is in his crossing or shallow routes.

+  Playmaking skills are really good. He can do  a lot in the open field.

+  Not afraid to go over  the middle and take a hit.

+  Good situational awareness and knows when to get out of bounds in 2 min drill.`

Needs Improvement:

–          Has some work to do on the fundamentals on punt returns.

–          Not the best at securing the football. Too many fumblems.

–          Lose his cools and will get into fights on the field.

–          Blocking skills are very weak and can not help the run game.

 

#50 Kiko Alonso: 6’3 238, Oregon

2^nd round 46^th pick, Position- Linebacker

Strength:   

+  A Troy Polamalu at the linebacker position.

+  He is lighting off the snap and gets into the backfield.

+  A playmaker on defense.  Creates turnovers, fumbles, interceptions and sacks.

+  Gets physical with the tight end at the line of  scrimmage.

+  Takes on blocks really well and able to stop the run game.

+  Useful in blitz package and gets pressure on QB.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Can’t turn his back to the quarterback when he is in coverage.

–          Bites way too hard on the play action and gets himself out of position.

–          Got to put himself in better position to tackle.

–          Head will get down and will miss a lot of tackles.

#88 Marquise Goodwin: 5’9 177, Texas

3^rd round 78^th pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:            

+  His double move will break ankles and DB’s have no chance to recover.

+  Useful on special teams.  Olympic type speed.

+  Light feet, is able to tip toe the sideline and gain extra yards.

+  Will follow his blockers  to create a big run.

Needs Improvement:

–          A little loose with the ball. Got to hold the football, high and tight.

–          Gets knocked off his route if you get physical with him.

–          Catches the ball with his body and not his hands.

–          Lacks some ball skills. Can’t seem to locate the ball.

 

Preview of Preseason game Minnesota Vikings vs Buffalo Bills

Minnesota Vikings Rookie Scouting Report:

Sharrif Floyd: 6’3 297, #95, Florida

1^st round 23^rd pick, Position- Defensive Tackle

Strength:                                          Needs Improvement:

+ Very quick off the ball. Really          – Needs to learn other moves besides

explodes out of his stance.                 the swim move.

+ Has a great punch and hits them.        – Work on winning one one one battles. 
                                             

+ Good Football IQ and knows             – Is on the ground too much and needs 

how to read the screen pass                 to pick up his knees.     

Xavier Rhodes: 6’1 210, #29, Florida State

1^st round 25^th pick, Position- Cornerback

Strength:                                 Needs Improvement:

+ Knows how to use his long                      -Is way too high when he tackles. Needs to learn

arms and play the receiver.                       how to break down the ball carrier and make the tackle.

+ Amazing job at high pointing                  – Work on his footwork and break on the ball better.

the ball. Great timing and                      – Lacks great speed so he gets beat a lot on the drag

understanding where the ball                      or shallow route.

is.                                             – He is a MAJOR liability in the run game. Won’t

+ Has good hands, doesn’t drop take on blocks.

a lot of interceptions                          – Gets beat way too many times when he is press.

Cordarrelle Patterson: 6’2 216, #84, Tennessee

1^st round 29^th pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                                 Needs Improvement:

+ Great at kick returning. Moves              – Got to work on his route running.

away from the wedge to create a                 Relies too much on his speed.

hole and breaks arm tackles.                  – Learns when a pass is poorly

+ He is a play maker. Get the ball in           thrown then become a defender

his hands and watch him go to work.             and don’t allow the interceptions.

+ Can take on One on One coverage.            – Work on using his body on the

+ Even when team is losing by double            defender….not his hands.

digits, still goes out there and plays hard.

+ Can Snatch the ball in the air. Uses his

hands well.

Buffalo Bills Rookie Scouting Report:

E.J. Manuel: 6’5 237, #3, Florida State

1^st round 16^th pick, Position- Quarterback

Strength:                       Needs Improvement:

+ Knows when to stay                        – Very loose with the ball.

In the pocket or run out.                     Holds it away from his

Nice pocket awareness.                        body.

+ Does not take unnecessary                 – Goes to the check down

hits. Knows when to slide.                    too quick. Reads one route

+ Has great touch on the                      then dumps it off.

Ball and can put it over                    – Crosses his feet when he

the defense.                                  drops back.

What to Watch for:

1. Can he drive his      offense down the field
2. How is his      footwork when he drops back
3. Does he go      through his progression

Robert Woods: 6’0 201, #10, USC

2nd round 41st pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                                 Needs Improvement:

+ Biggest strength is in                           – Blocking skills are below average.

his crossing or shallow                              Needs to show better effort.

routes.                                            – Seems to lose his cool on the

+ Playmaking skills are                              field and will get into fights

really good. He can do                            – Not the best at securing the

a lot in the open field.                            football. Too many fumbles.

+ Not afraid to go over

the middle and take a

hit.

What to Watch for:

1. Where do the      Bills play him? At slot or flank
2. How many screen      plays do they run for him
3. Was he effective      in the red zone

Kiko Alonso: 6’3 238, #50 Oregon

2^nd round 46^th pick, Position- Linebacker

Strength:                                 Needs Improvement:

+ A Troy Polamalu at the                                      – Takes poor angles on tackles.

linebacker position.                                          – Head will be down at times

+ He is lighting off the snap                                   and cause him to whiff at

and gets into the backfield.                                    tackles.

+ A playmaker on defense.                                   – Got to put himself in better

Creates turnovers, fumbles,                                   position when he tackles

interceptions and sacks.

 

What to Watch for:

1. How much better is his tackling skills
2. Did he make an  impact on special teams
3. How many times  was he in the backfield

Preview of the Preseason game “Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts”

Buffalo Bills

E.J. Manuel: 6’5 237, Florida State

1^st round 16^th pick, Position- Quarterback

Strength:                                          Needs Improvement:

+ Knows when to stay                              – Very loose with the ball.

In the pocket or run out.                            Holds it away from his

Nice pocket awareness.                              body.

+ Does not take unnecessary                     – Goes to the check down

hits. Knows when to slide.                        too quick. Reads one route

+ Has great touch on the                           then dumps it off.

Ball and can put it over                           – Crosses his feet when he

the defense.                                                 drops back.

 

What to Watch for:

• Can he drive his offense down the field
• How is his footwork when he drops back
• Does he go through his progression

Robert Woods: 6’0 201, USC

2nd round 41st pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                                          Needs Improvement:

+ Biggest strength is in                            – Blocking skills are below average.

his crossing or shallow                              Needs to show better effort.

routes.                                                       – Seems to lose his cool on the

+ Playmaking skills are                               field and will get into fights

really good. He can do                            – Not the best at securing the

a lot in the open field.                               football. Too many fumbles.

+ Not afraid to go over

the middle and take a

hit.

What to Watch for:

• Where do the Bills play him? At slot or flank
• How many screen plays do they run for him
• Was he effective in the red zone

Kiko Alonso: 6’3 238, Oregon

2^nd round 46^th pick, Position- Linebacker

Strength:                                                      Needs Improvement:

+ A Troy Polamalu at the                                      – Takes poor angles on tackles.

linebacker position.                                               – Head will be down at times

+ He is lighting off the snap                                     and cause him to whiff at

and gets into the backfield.                                      tackles.

+ A playmaker on defense.                                   – Got to put himself in better

Creates turnovers, fumbles,                                    position when he tackles

interceptions and sacks.

 

What to Watch for:

• How much better is his tackling skills
• Did he make an impact on special teams
• How many times was he in the backfield

Indianapolis Colts

Bjoern Werner: 6’3 266, Florida State

1^st round 24^th pick, Position- Defensive End

Strength:                                          Needs Improvement:

+ Has an unbelievable                             – Will get high and stop his

motor. Reminds me of                               feet.

a Jared Allen.                                            – Work on his hands so he

+ 4 point stance is so                                  get off from blockers

low and explodes out.                             – Not very athletic and

+ Great football recognition.                     won’t “wow” you with

Reads a play and stops it.                          Combine numbers.

What to Watch for:

• Does he transition well to a OLB and standing up
• Was he able to get pressure on the quarterback
• Did he get his hands in the passing lane

Hugh Thornton: 6’3 320, Illinois

3^rd round 86^th pick, Position- Guard

Strength:                                          Needs Improvement:

+Quick, short steps                                  – Struggles to reanchor and

make him able to react                             and reload his hips.

well.                                                            – His stance is flawed. Way

+ Great at pulling and                                 too high.

getting to the second                              – Weak at the tackle because

level.                                                             of a slow kickslide.

+ Hook block is nice.

Able to get outside

leverage on his block.

What to Watch for:

• Where did he play? Tackle or Guard
• Did he win one on one battles with a defensive line
• In goal line situations, was able to get a push

EJ Manuel #16 pick for the Buffalo Bills

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6’5 Weight: 237 Arms: 35 Hands: 10 3/8 40 time: 4.65

Lets play a little trivia game……Who is the only Florida State quarterback to go 4-0 in bowl games? This is a hard question because the Seminoles have had many great quarterbacks. Any guess??? Chris Weinke? Charlie Ward??? well it wasEJ Manuel. He has played in 4 bowl games at Florida State and won everyone of them.

EJ Manuel is from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was a 5 star recruit and was highly touted. He decided to go with Bobby Bowden and Florida State. He didn’t start his freshman or sophomore year but came in for injury prone Christian Ponder. He ended up getting the job his junior year after Ponder enter the NFL Draft. His record during his 4 years at Florida state was 25-6. Won the Gator Bowl, Chick-fil-A Bowl, Champ Sports Bowl and Orange Bowl.

Strength:

+ Knows when to stay in the pocket or run out of it. Never puts them in a bad situation.

+ Doesn’t take hits. Slides when the play is over or goes to the sideline.

+ Puts the ball in front of the receivers when he passes it so they can run after the catch for big plays.

+ Has great touch on the ball so he can throw it over the top of the defense.

+ A lot of his incompletions were because of easy drops by his wide outs so his completion percentage would be higher.

+ He was the best quarterback at the senior bowl and was named MVP.

+ His eyes are focused on the receiver so he can read the defense.

+ Really sets up the screen passes well. You can see that he was coached up.

Need Improvement

– very loose with the ball. Keeps holding it with one hand. Keep two hands on the ball.

– Goes to the check down too quick. Goes to one read then dump it.

– Needs to work on his play action more. Stick it into the running back stomach then pull it out.

– Crosses his feet when he drops back.

-Some of his passes get batted at the line of scrimmage.

– Doesn’t have the strongest arm but he can zip the ball, just not the best of them like Ryan Nassib.

Summary

After looking at the tapes of all the quarterbacks in 2013 NFL Draft, I thought EJ Manuel was the best one. He has won games at a big time program for 4 years, has all the physicals tools, you want in a quarterback and doesn’t buckle under pressure. Now is he perfect? No but has shown he works at his craft and listens to his coaches. That is so important in the game of football. Some people were shocked that he was the 1st off the board but he is somebody who could be a great leader for a team. Now he will be unfairly graded because of Wilson or RGIII or Luck but give him 3 years in the same system then we might not look at this draft pick as a reach but a steal.