Mario Manningham – This Year’s Draft Leper?
Every year there is at least one player who goes into free fall somewhere prior to draft day, due to questions raised about his ability to perform at the next level by scouts, health concerns, or his own behaviour.
No prizes for guessing who it is this year. When you look at Mario Manningham’s college career at Michigan, and the numbers he put up, he should be the number one receiver in this draft. Sadly for him though, his stock has plummeted due to some major character concerns generated by his own actions.
Not so long ago, Manningham was predicted to go in the first round, now he has people wondering just how far he will fall. Why? Because……..
· He has TWICE tested positive for marijuana use whilst at Michigan.
· He then lied about it at the combine.
· Ran a 4.68 40 yard dash at the combine.
· He has previously been arrested for possessing drugs prescribed to another player.
· Has been in the company of other players from Michigan when they were arrested for drug possession (and who were later dismissed from the team)
· He has been taken to court for non payment of rent.
Now all this has come to light, teams are noticing that….
· He drops his share of footballs.
· He is undersized, and not really a precise route runner.
As regards lying to NFL teams at the combine, does anyone actually think that Manningham had an attack of conscience and decided to admit all? More likely his new agent told him “Sign this quick! And try and look sincere if anyone asks you about it!”
Questions must also be asked why if he did test positive twice for drugs for the Wolverines, why did he stay on the team? Were exemptions and was he given special treatment made due to his on field performance? Will he expect the same treatment in the NFL?
Will he become yet another receiver to give the NFL a bad name with a ‘Me first! I want! I want! Its my ball!” spoiled child type attitude as per Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, & Jeremy Shockey (What is it with people who catch a football for a living?).
3 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Nino Colla about 1 year ago
Yeah he is a bit of a bad character. I know the High School he went to(same as good old Maurice Clarett), and it doesn't exactly churn out high character guys.
He put a lot of blame on Ryan Mallett during the Wisconsin game, when it was he himself that was making all the mistakes..
He has a ton of potential, but he needs to stop playing for himself. I think Adrian Arrington is way better right now.
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Greg Adams about 1 year ago
I'm a Colts' fan and we need a receiver, but not one who can roll his own joints.
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Alex Kennedy about 1 year ago
Haha, you forgot to mention his dreadful Wonderlic score, a six!
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