MVN writers mock draft: 28. Dallas Cowboys - WR Mario Manningham, Michigan
By Staff Report | April 21st, 2008
NFL
By Brian Smith
With the 28th pick in the 2008 MVN writers’ mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Mario Manningham from the University of Michigan.
Quite simply, Mario Manningham makes plays on the football field. Although his numbers from the combine weren’t spectacular, I have never put that much stock into the difference between a 4.35 and a 4.5 40-yard dash. Having seen him play numerous times, I know he creates plays on the field—and that’s where it counts.
He’ll immediately step into the No.3, maybe No.4, role for Dallas, and Terrell Owens—for all his diva antics—will teach him how to prepare himself each day for success. I really like his hands; not only does he stretch the field, but he also goes and gets the football; Manningham is a touchdown machine.
One area he needs to improve is his strength. Because he’s so light right now, corners and safeties will be able to bump him hard at the line and, potentially, throw off his routes. If he can add some muscle—without sacrificing speed—he’ll be a dangerous playmaker.
My favorite stat: All but seven of his 27 career touchdowns came from outside the red zone. That says enough about his speed.
If memory serves, Dallas has done well with “slow” receivers; coming out of Miami, Michael Irvin didn’t burn holes in the turf; a few Super Bowl rings later, he’s in the Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, Manningham doesn’t come with as much off-field baggage as other prospects. There was the small incident with the Vicodin a few years ago, but he seems to have learned his lesson and has stayed out of the police blotter since then.
Overall, he needs to concentrate on catching the football before going for the highlight-reel run in order to reduce his drops, but this is a man who is going to make “Tyree Catches” every week.
Manningham will be an Irvin/Braylon Edwards blend and be Dallas’ No.2 (or 1A) receiver by the end of the season.
THIS MAN MAKES PLAYS WITH THE FOOTBALL.
Brian Smith is a columnist for MVN’s Dallas Cowboys site, The Cowboy Roundup.
NFL
By Brian Smith
With the 28th pick in the 2008 MVN writers’ mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Mario Manningham from the University of Michigan.
Quite simply, Mario Manningham makes plays on the football field. Although his numbers from the combine weren’t spectacular, I have never put that much stock into the difference between a 4.35 and a 4.5 40-yard dash. Having seen him play numerous times, I know he creates plays on the field—and that’s where it counts.
He’ll immediately step into the No.3, maybe No.4, role for Dallas, and Terrell Owens—for all his diva antics—will teach him how to prepare himself each day for success. I really like his hands; not only does he stretch the field, but he also goes and gets the football; Manningham is a touchdown machine.
One area he needs to improve is his strength. Because he’s so light right now, corners and safeties will be able to bump him hard at the line and, potentially, throw off his routes. If he can add some muscle—without sacrificing speed—he’ll be a dangerous playmaker.
My favorite stat: All but seven of his 27 career touchdowns came from outside the red zone. That says enough about his speed.
If memory serves, Dallas has done well with “slow” receivers; coming out of Miami, Michael Irvin didn’t burn holes in the turf; a few Super Bowl rings later, he’s in the Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, Manningham doesn’t come with as much off-field baggage as other prospects. There was the small incident with the Vicodin a few years ago, but he seems to have learned his lesson and has stayed out of the police blotter since then.
Overall, he needs to concentrate on catching the football before going for the highlight-reel run in order to reduce his drops, but this is a man who is going to make “Tyree Catches” every week.
Manningham will be an Irvin/Braylon Edwards blend and be Dallas’ No.2 (or 1A) receiver by the end of the season.
THIS MAN MAKES PLAYS WITH THE FOOTBALL.
Brian Smith is a columnist for MVN’s Dallas Cowboys site, The Cowboy Roundup.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:52 AM
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