Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel has risen up draft boards in recent weeks and may have moved up high enough to be a first round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Todd McShay.
NFL Draft 2013: E.J. Manuel could be mid-first round pick
Could E.J. Manuel be selected in the first round? ESPN’s Todd McShay said it is possible.
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During an appearance on the SVP & Russillo show on ESPN Radio, McShay said he’s heard Manuel could be selected as high as the middle of the first round. That would be a significant rise for Manuel as most, including McShay, project him to go in the second or third rounds. SB Nation’s Dan Kadar initially ranked Manuel as the No. 7 quarterback in the draft and does not have him going in the first round in his latest mock draft.
Manuel is an intriguing prospect because as McShay said, he has a lot of physical tools and is a hard worker. While talented, McShay said Manuel’s talent doesn’t always translate into on-field performance. If Manuel is going to be selected in the middle of the first round, it may be a result of a team moving up, or down to get him. Tampa Bay, Carolina, New Orleans, St. Louis and Pittsburgh currently occupy the 13-17 slots in the first round and all have established starting quarterbacks.
Manuel is currently the No. 98 player on Mocking The Draft’s top 200.
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