|
 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Mario Manningham, WR
by Jody Jamieson
24/2/2008
Mario Manningham interests me a lot. Part of me thinks he could be a great NFL player. Another part of me says he may be an absolute frustration for whoever lands him in the Draft. There is no denying he can play, but with more than a little baggage coming with that ability, it will be interesting to see what becomes of him. Players with heavy baggage have proven you don’t have to be squeaky clean to make it big in the NFL (just ask recently franchised defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth) but with the Goddellfather happy to punish those who step out of line, Manningham will have to be careful. He was given a one-game suspension for violating a “team rule” at Michigan and has had numerous comments with regards to his attitude.
 While Manningham may not have been a big favourite among players and coaches alike at Michigan, there is not doubting he was a big favourite of the Wolverines followers. Dubbed “Super Mario” by the fans, Manningham will be remembered as one of the best wide receivers in Wolverines football history, alongside successful NFL receivers such as Braylon Edwards, Amani Toomer and Anthony Carter.
What we like about Manningham
This guy is a playmaker. When he is on his game he is almost uncoverable. Mario has good speed and should comfortably run a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash. The way he uses his speed to his advantage is the fact he doesn’t seem to slow down when making a catch in stride or making a cut move. He runs that 4.40 speed throughout the entire play. Good route runner (although Chad Henne may disagree) and will be a big play threat in the NFL with his ability to get open down the field. Despite having a lot of attention last season, and freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett at the helm for 4 games, Manningham still had 72 receptions in the 2007 season, at an impressive 16.3 yards per catch average. He may only be 6’0″ and a little over 180 lbs, but don’t expect him to shy away from contact. He may not be the strongest receiver, but he is certainly game.
Question marks about Manningham
It seems like Manningham’s attitude isn’t the greatest. With his coach Lloyd Carr having a go about his ability to rub people up the wrong way, and quarterback Chad Henne having a pop at him for allegedly “dogging routes”. He has also had one or two brushes with the law. This could all count against him when it comes down to the Draft. Another slight against him is that in college he had a tendancy for taking the odd play “off” and at bizarre times too. Anyone who saw the game against Ohio State will concurr, as he dropped a few passes he really should have caught.
Highlight of his College Career
In his freshman year, Super Mario hauled in a 10 yard touchdown catch against Penn State with the clock showing 0.00 to win the game for Michigan and hand the Nittany Lions their only loss of the 2005 season.
Other Snippets
-
Most of the mock drafts out there will have Manningham as a late first round/early second round prospect.
-
Manningham is thought of by many to be the #4 receiver coming out of college, behind DeSean Jackson, Limas Sweed and Malcolm Kelly.
-
His cousin is former 49ers offensive lineman (1983-1990) Bubba Paris.
-
He sits 8th all time in Michigan Wolverines receptions (137), despite coming out as a junior, and missing half of the 2006 season because of injury. Would almost certainly have sat 2nd all time, only behind Braylon Edwards if he had stayed in college.
-
Teams who may have a look at him may include the 49ers, the Bears and the Saints. Manningham would be a great compliment to Marques Colston.
Video Footage:
|
