NFL Draft: The Myth of the Sure Thing QB

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Manning

Manning was selected 1st overall and has been the best regular season quarterback for a decade in the NFL. Age is starting to catch up with him but his ability to manipulate the line of scrimmage and make quick strikes to his receivers was unmatched. We all know the famous Ryan Leaf/Peyton Manning debate and many thought Leaf had a higher upside. Obviously wrong.

In Draft Day Costner said that everyone was sure Manning couldn’t throw the deep ball but was that a true concern when he came out? Bob McGinn noted recently some of the concerns that he heard before the 1998 Draft:

"“Florida intimidated him,” an AFC personnel director said. “You really like him because of the personality and all the intangibles but, boy, you’ve got be a little mobile in this league. He has been so well-coached, too. “He’s a self-made player, let’s put it that way. I don’t know how much better he’s going to get.” “Hell, yes, Manning’s good, but his ball waffles all the time,” the scout said. “I didn’t like his ball velocity, either.”"

While we would say that most thought Manning was a sure thing, there were concerns about how he would perform at the next level. Some had concerns that he was wound too tight but the concerns about his arm strength and spirals seemed to be the biggest concern.

Next: Tom Brady