NFL Draft: Jacob and Kirk Tackle Browns’ 1st-Round Strategy
April 21, 2013Sunday Indians Notes: Beau Mills, the rotation and prospects
April 21, 2013The Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot wrote this morning that the Browns worked out Flordia State quarterback EJ Manuel yesterday, and the visit reportedly went very well in the eyes of both Manuel and the Browns, who currently hold the sixth pick for Thursday’s first round. Browns Coach Rob Chudzinski even compared the Seminole quarterback to his most recent quarterback in Carolina.
“He already brought up Cam when I was up in Cleveland on Monday,” Manuel, a dual-threat quarterback who went 25-6 at Florida State, told The Plain Dealer after the workout. “I think coach Chudzinski sees a lot of Cam Newton in me, so that’s kind of in my favor as far as being a guy that’s very similar to Cam’s playing style.”
Manuel was 25-6 in parts of four years in Tallahasse, starting full-time the last two seasons. He threw for 3,392 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 68% of his passes. The draft prospect says that while he understand the comparisons to Cam Newton, Carolina’s star quarterback, responsible for 62 total touchdowns in two seasons (20 rushing), he studies another elite quarterback’s film.
“I know I’m very similar to Cam in size, and speed and things like that, but I usually watch film on Big Ben,” he said. “I’m a big, strong, durable quarterback. That’s what I love about Big Ben. He doesn’t run to run. He runs to try to get open to throw the ball. A lot of people may say I’m a runner, but anytime I’m scrambling around, I’m looking for a receiver and trying to get the ball into their hands.”
West Virginia’s quarterback Geno Smith has also been discussed as a possibility for the Browns and other teams in the top ten, including Jacksonville at #2, Philadelphia at #4, Buffalo at #8, and the Jets at #9.
Related: NFL Draft: Jacob and Kirk Tackle Browns’ First Round Strategy
15 Comments
I’d rather have Manuel then Smith but neither at #6. I guess in a way I’m hoping Milliner is gone by #6 this way when the Browns trade down I won’t be shocked or disappointed.
maybe there’s real interest, maybe it’s what you do and say to make teams like the Bills and Jets sweat and set up a trade down a few spots.
Silly Season is approaching its annual zenith. Beware of team’s waxing effusive about players to reporters, unless they own the first overall pick. Ingest all info with healthy doses of salt.
My fear is that if we do trade down to the 11-15 region, it’d make it more likely for the Browns to reach for Manuel in the first round, especially if Smith is already off the board.
I 2nd this… but only IF Weeds is dealt. We can’t do another DA/BQ…
That certainly seems fair to me. I’d still lean toward not investing another top pick at all on a QB this year. But overall, I totally agree with you.
I’m with you on the QB position believe me I’m just trying hard to find a positive in a situation in case it happens.
Could very well be honestly who the heck knows.
He wouldn’t be a reach, he has first round talent, getting him plus getting a second rounder would be fantastic.
That’s the coach’s fault, not the players
I think this is the week of the year where I basically just ignore everything.
I don’t want them to draft a QB, but if I had to pick I’d like to see Smith or Manuel. I do think we have bigger concerns for the top pick.
Really? Can we stop hoping for a miracle to happen. Weeden definitely isn’t the answer, but wasting another first round pick on a future no-name QB (Smith will be a bust and so will Manuel) will be the last straw for me. Fire Chud now rather than sooner… famous for calling 9 yard routes on 3rd and 10s back during his OC days in Cleveland.
i would rather have traded out 1st round pick to Tampa for Revis. the Jets only gave up the #13 pick??? what are the Browns doing? They’ve got plenty of money to burn so signing him is not a huge issue.
Why do I feel the Browns are gonna trade down to #22 and draft a DL?
I’m sorry … did you mean to type “Fire Chud now,” or was this a phrase you meant to paste as a comment after the players reported to his first training camp?
9 yard routes are a step up from 3 yard routes. #Progress.