Eli Manning is now #1 on Mel Kiper's top 25 draft board.

[Lomax to Green 84]

I have to admit that I am Kiper fan even though he is a bit annoying. The guy says some off the wall things but his board is usually right on and he usually nails the #1 very early on (he had Carson Palmer pegged as the #1 way ahead of everyone else). Looking at the bottom feeder teams this year there are not a whole bunch of teams that need a franchise type quarterback. Detroit, Cincy, Chicago, Houston all have their guys. The team who could be in the running for Manning (other than the Cardinals) could be the Oakland Raiders. If Oakland continues their losing ways they could end up ahead of the Cards and they definitely would be looking at a guy like Manning. The only other bottom feeder type team who may be looking could be the Chargers who appear to have lost confidence in Drew Brees.

Manning sure looked good in that win over Auburn.

 

[SECTION 11]

I'm on board. I didn't like him last year and thought he was overhyped, but he's been solid this year.

 

[SweetD]

Now do we trade up or just traded down for lower picks again

 

[pinnacle]

cheer for the chargers to beat the broncos...

I do not think Al davis will go with manning..he likes veteran qbs generally...todd marinovich helped form his opinion..

 

[imaCafan]

If we sign one of the "shut-down" FA corners, maybe an impact DT or DE, then trade up to get Manning, and we'd be set for a SB run in 2005-2006!!!

 

[ThunderCard]

I think Eli might bring a solid foundation to this organization if he were a card. they should try whatever possible to obtain him in the draft ahead of the Bolts, Raiders, and Bears. I am almost wishing we lose out to have the rights to draft him, but that is just me ! I know it is a darksider mentality, but thats the way I think sometimes.



Also on that list above I would definitly keep Chicago as a team in need of a QB.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Originally posted by ThunderCard
I think Eli might bring a solid foundation to this organization if he were a card. they should try whatever possible to obtain him in the draft ahead of the Bolts, Raiders, and Bears. I am almost wishing we lose out to have the rights to draft him, but that is just me ! I know it is a darksider mentality, but thats the way I think sometimes.

that's not being a darksider - it's seeing the big picture - Eli Manning and a new coaching staff (one that is actually an improvement) will make us competitive for years, rather than just hoping for a couple more wins this season, which would only prolong our misery with Mac and also keep us from that ever elusive franchise QB that we have needed for the last 15 years.

 

[ThunderCard]

""""that's not being a darksider - it's seeing the big picture - Eli Manning and a new coaching staff (one that is actually an improvement) will make us competitive for years, rather than just hoping for a couple more wins this season, which would only prolong our misery with Mac and also keep us from that ever elusive franchise QB that we have needed for the last 15 years.""""


Could not have said it better myself !!

 

[ThunderCard]

This really sucks ! he was listed on other boards as a 10-15 range and now he might be going #1 overall. I usually don't watch college, but this kid looks like a gamer with the same ability as Peyton.

 

[Renz]

Originally posted by ThunderCard
Also on that list above I would definitly keep Chicago as a team in need of a QB.

Chicago just spent a high draft choice last year on Rex Grossman (it was either a first or second round pick, I can't remember which) and he is definitely their QB of the future. No way will the Bears use a first rounder on another QB next year.

(On another note, it says that Grossman majored in "Travel and Tourism" at Florida. Man, why didn't I major in that?)

 

[Jttsaz]

well Darksider or not the Cards have it pretty tough from here on out...at best they win another 3 games...Jacksonville has Leftwhich, Detroit has Harrington, Atlanta has Vick, Chicago has Grossman. I don't think the Chargers will give up on Brees yet but that's a maybe...however Oakland(Gannon is getting old), the Steelers(Maddox??) and the Browns(Take your pick) may be in the market...The question is will the Cards draft a high pick QB? Or stick with McCown?

 

[Ryanwb]

EL Yeah baby!!

 

[Stout]

If Eli Manning is on the board, at this point, you draft him before a second even ticks off, if you're Graves.

If we think we need to trade up...hmm, not sure how I feel about that. We need our picks. Ask me that closer to draft time!

 

[OSCAR_VILLAREAL]

I love the raiders and i like the Cards

i wouldn't mind either getting it

 

[YRUGSFS]

I don't think that the Cards would draft Manning even if he was available. At this point, I don't think they are interested in paying the type of money that it would take to sign the first pick in the draft.

 

[SECTION 11]

Unless it's perhaps Oakland finishing with pole position, I don't see Manning going first unless there's a trade, which given a solid finish to the year, perhaps a nice bowl game and the offseason games and workouts, I can definately see happening.

Kiper's big board is his ranking of talent. Team need will always rear it's head.

How happy is Parcells with Quincy Carter?
Billick I'm sure is at least looking considering that he now is stuck with Pat Barnes, Jr.
Miami of all places? Griese is on a one year deal and Fiedler is Fiedler.
San Diego and San Francisco could both be dark horses.

My guess is either Pittsburgh if they have the chance and Henson doesn't pan out, Arizona or Oakland depending on who's got the pick with him on the board, or....longshot drumroll...Green Bay.

 

[WisconsinCard]

There are a number of QB possiblilities this year, there is Rivers, Symons, Navarre (spelling) and White.

 

[BACH]

Here's the top 25 from the War Room. Eli Manning is #7 just behind Ben Roethlisberger from Miami, Ohio. They have the Raiders and Chargers taking the two top DTs in their mock, which makes the Steelers and Cardinals the only teams in the top interested in a QB. They have the Cards taking Manning at #11. (I hope they're right)


1 Tommie Harris*, Oklahoma DT 6-3 288 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
2 Roy Williams, Texas WR 6-2 208 -- -- -- 4.50 -- -- -- -- -- --
3 Shawn Andrews*, Arkansas T 6-6 340 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
4 Vince Wilfork*, Miami (FL) DT 6-2 344 -- -- -- 5.20 -- -- -- -- -- --
5 Ben Roethlisberger*, Miami (O.) QB 6-5 240 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
6 Robert Gallery, Iowa T 6-6 320 -- -- -- 5.20 -- -- -- -- -- --
7 Eli Manning, Ole Miss QB 6-4 218 -- -- -- 4.85 -- -- -- -- -- --
8 D.J. Williams, Miami (FL) OLB 6-1 235 -- -- -- 4.60 -- -- -- -- -- --
9 David Pollack*, Georgia DE 6-2 274 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
10 J.P. Losman, Tulane QB 6-2 212 -- -- -- 4.80 -- -- -- -- -- --
11 Kellen Winslow Jr.*, Miami (FL) TE 6-5 230 -- -- -- N/A -- -- -- -- -- --
12 Will Smith, Ohio St. DE 6-3 260 -- -- -- 4.80 -- -- -- -- -- --
13 Reggie Williams*, Wash. WR 6-4 220 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
14 Sean Taylor*, Miami (FL) S 6-3 220 -- -- -- N/A -- -- -- -- -- --
15 Randy Starks*, Maryland DT 6-4 299 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
16 DeAngelo Hall*, Va. Tech CB 5-11 200 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
17 Antwan Odom*, Alabama DE 6-4 278 -- -- -- N/A -- -- -- -- -- --
18 Jonathan Vilma, Miami (FL) ILB 6-1 220 -- -- -- 4.65 -- -- -- -- -- --
19 Marlin Jackson*, Michigan CB 6-1 182 -- -- -- NA -- -- -- -- -- --
20 Michael Clayton*, LSU WR 6-3 185 -- -- -- N/A -- -- -- -- -- --
21 Karlos Dansby, Auburn OLB 6-3 231 -- -- -- 4.58 -- -- -- -- -- --
22 Vernon Carey, Miami (FL) G 6-2 350 -- -- -- 5.40 -- -- -- -- -- --
23 Dunta Robinson, S. Carolina CB 5-10 186 -- -- -- 4.44 -- -- -- -- -- --
24 Rashaun Woods, Oklahoma St. WR 6-1 194 -- -- -- 4.55 -- -- -- -- -- --
25 Jacob Rogers, USC

 

[Cardiac]

Kiper's board typically changes several times before the draft. Eli may stay at the top but odds are someone else will have that "coveted" spot on Kiper's board at some point before the draft.

Drafting a QB in the 1st rd this year is a viable option. If this happens then this team must have picked up a great CB and either re-signed Barrett or signed another FA CB as well.

The 3rd Qtr in the Steeler's game is all the proof one needs to realize Hill is not a starter in this league and this team will struggle to win tough games with him on the field. Pass interference at the 5 yd line and a TD within what, 5 minutes. Even if this team has the best pass rushing D-line in history those plays are still made against Hill.

 

[john h]

Originally posted by ThunderCard
""""that's not being a darksider - it's seeing the big picture - Eli Manning and a new coaching staff (one that is actually an improvement) will make us competitive for years, rather than just hoping for a couple more wins this season, which would only prolong our misery with Mac and also keep us from that ever elusive franchise QB that we have needed for the last 15 years.""""


Could not have said it better myself !!

I am for getting Manning by what ever means possible. This guy is not just a good QB but a smart young man with some character. We will never be a contender until we have a real front line QB.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Originally posted by john h
I am for getting Manning by what ever means possible. This guy is not just a good QB but a smart young man with some character. We will never be a contender until we have a real front line QB.

Yes, I have seen him play and he seems like a SMART QB. Brains in my opinion is a huge factor.

I guess I like Eli Manning but I never watch college football so I have no idea.

I just want our draft to go a little better in the top half.

Last year we got a 2nd rounder that plays like a 1st rounder. We got two 1st rounders that play like 2nd and 3rd rounders.

And we got ?King 5th? a 5th rounder that plays like a 3rd rounder.

Yikes. Let's get our guys at the right time.

 

[buff17]

Could someone with insider access keep us posting on Mel Kipers big board.

Could someone post the most recent one?

 

[JeffGollin]

Let me be the first to make the "Eli's a comin'" wisecrack.

It's way too early to know what's out there and what we're going to do come late April. All I know is that I really do not want us to sacrifice blue chip quality in favor of red chip quantity this year. I think we made a mistake doing that in the last draft.

 

[Mr.Dibbs]

Originally posted by ThunderCard
I think Eli might bring a solid foundation to this organization if he were a card. they should try whatever possible to obtain him in the draft ahead of the Bolts, Raiders, and Bears.

NO WAY!!! If we sign a rookie QB it will take another 4-5 years to get this team anywhere. I hate rookie starting QBs, and as soon as we lose a few game you know they'd start the rookie. Sign a CB, or someone that can have an immediate impact. This team is close to being respectable, we need to stike the iron while it's hot! Look at some of the top teams right now- Carolina doesn't have a great QB, Dallas really doesn't have a great QB, Seattle's QB took years to learn the ropes of the NFL, as did Trent Green, Garcia, Favre, Johnson, and dare I say Plummer. Patrick Ramsey is basically a rookie starter, so is Harrington, Leftwich, even Payton's first few seasons weren't too good. By the time a rookie QB becomes decent, everything we have now will be gone, and we aren't good enough to spend a first round pick on a "work in progress."

 

[spanky]

So, in summary what I'm reading tells me that we should give up on Josh McCown.........and maybe everyone is right and I am wrong. I just can't make this kind of decision at this point in time.......I've seen NOTHING that tells me McCown is wasted draft pick or a likely journeyman back up.

In an earlier thread I read today about RG quotes in a Cleveland paper, it alludes to him tipping his hand and indicating that we'll be looking at a QB in the draft........but NOWHERE did he allude that we will use a #1 pick for a QB.

I see a lot of flaws in this "draft Eli Manning" line of thinking and here they are:

a) Our ability to be able to pick up Manning is predicated on us having, at minimum, a #5 slot. And I'm not ready to throw in the towel and assume that we will finish at 4-12 or 5-11 which is where we would need to be. I still feel that we are a potential 6-10 or 7-9 team and if so, we likely end up with a pick in the 10-14 range......out of the Manning sweepstakes.

b) OK, we could trade up if he didn't fall to us naturally. But we are not in ANY position to give up what it would take to move up. We need to hit draft home runs in rounds 1-3 to fill positions of real need.......even if we have a great FA signing or two.

c) I maintain that spending the money required in today's market for a #1 QB pick is foolhardy. There have been way more #1 QB picks in the last ten years that have been busts versus stars. And more Super Bowls have been won with "less than household" names at QB than otherwise over a like period. I do not subscribe to the theory that teams need a "franchise QB" to be legitimate contenders year after year.

I suspect that I'm in the minority here on these matters, but as they say, just one man's humble opinion.