E.J. Manuel

QB · Florida State
Once considered a top recruit out of high school, Manuel is one of the more debated prospects in the 2013 draft. After redshirting in 2008, he made six starts as a freshman and sophomore in relief of oft-injured Christian Ponder, recording a 4-2 record. Manuel became the full-time starter as a junior and ended the season with a streak of 121 straight passes over five games without an interception, raising expectations of rapid development as a pocket passer in 2012. Manuel completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,392 yards and a TD-INT ratio of 23-10 as a senior. He culminated his career with a sparkling performance in the Senior Bowl in which he was named MVP by throwing one touchdown, running for another and guiding the South to its only other score in a 21-16 victory. With great size, athleticism and intriguing arm talent, Manuel has as much upside as any quarterback in the 2013 draft. But despite statistical gains in 2012, Manuel largely remains the unpolished passer he was a year ago. His tendency to rely on initial reads and vacate the pocket when pressured could lead to significant growing pains in the NFL if pushed onto the field early.