The Buffalo Bills made one of the biggest surprises of the NFL draft when they selected Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel with the 16th overall pick and after getting their first look at him in rookie camp, the coaching staff likes what it sees.
According to ESPN.com, Manuel looked sharp while throwing over the weekend in rookie camp and head coach Doug Marrone said he was impressed with the work he did, including his accuracy and his arm strength. Marrone said that Manuel still needed work on his mechanics but that he was heading in the right direction and depending on how things go over the summer there is a chance he could win the starting job over Kevin Kolb, who the team signed in the offseason.
The three-day camp gave the Bills their first look at rookies and after Manuel was the only quarterback taken in the first round, he will have some expectations heading into next season and he will have the chance to compete. Marrone has said that Manuel will have the chance to compete with Kolb for the starting job this season and after beginning at the camp, he has shown that it will be a close call.
The Bills had Ryan Fitzpatrick last season but decided to cut him and move in a different direction after two subpar seasons as a starter. The Bills have been looking for a franchise quarterback to take over since Jim Kelly retired and so far Manuel appears to be the best option after names like Fitzpatrick and JP Losman. The team still has Tavaris Jackson, but it is presumed that the battle is between Manuel and Kolb for the starting gig.
Marrone said he liked a lot of what Manuel did, including passes to Robert Woods as well as Chris Gragg and he said that a number of things showed poise and experience. The Bills saw some speed in Marquise Goodwin and the team also signed five of eight draft picks, including Duke Williams, but they are still waiting on linebacker Kiko Alonso.
"It wasn't a conscious thing if that was the case," said Marrone, explaining that he also spent time looking in the offense's direction to get a glimpse of the Bills' young group of receivers. "But I do agree with your statement that people are going to be looking at (Manuel). I don't doubt that."