Sean Mannion NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Rams Rookie

STRENGTHS

Sean Mannion brings size, experience and production to the table, and for some scouts and general managers, those are three of the most important factors to quarterback play. Mannion is a smart passer who can get hot once he settles into a rhythm. When he’s on his game, he can thread the ball into tight spots and make NFL-level throws look easy.

Mannion doesn’t have an elite arm, but he’s able to make most NFL throws and has good velocity when he needs to put heat passes. Mannion plays well from the pocket and is one of the few quarterbacks in this class to have experience under center and working with drop steps. He was asked to handle reading the defense pre-snap at Oregon State.

WEAKNESSES

Mannion’s film (and numbers) showed regression in 2014. Mannion shows flaws when pressured and needs a big, comfortable pocket to produce at his best. Mannion isn’t agile enough to slide in the pocket or move laterally to avoid a pass rush. He’s a heavy-footed mover away from center or when trying to slide the rush.

Turnovers were a big issue for Mannion (54 interceptions), and his hand size of nine inches plus 30 career fumbles will raise a major red flag. Mannion has to be comfortable to be accurate, and when he’s moved off his spot his velocity and touch fall apart. Manning projects as a backup with starter potential, and his size and ability to throw down the field makes him valuable for all offenses.

PRO COMPARISON

Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A big, tall quarterback who looks the part but lacks the arm strength and pocket presence of an NFL starter, Mannion is another Mike Glennon.

2014 STATISTICS

Passing Yards: 3,164
Touchdowns: 15
Interceptions: 8

FINAL GRADE: 5.20/9.00 (Quality Backup)