Mario Manningham - Terrible Sirius Radio interview (1 Viewer)

[MAC_32]

I missed it,thank god. Maybe he was high?

The last time I heard a really bad interview it was Frank Gore on the sideline. I cringed as he stumbled through question after question but he's a heck of a football player. It might be the ONLY interview I've ever heard of his so maybe it was just an off day.

Gore has a learning disability and while I thought it might hurt him in the NFL, he has always worked his butt off.

...unlike Mario. Gore has some brutal offseason workouts, I know it's just one offseason but call it a hunch I don't think Mario does much. I am slowly hopping off of his bandwagon. I now have zero players rated in round 1.

Thomas and possibly Kelly deserve first round grades. Kelly is running again soon. It should be interesting. It's fair to give up on Manningham at this point. I think we read his potential correctly back in January, which is capable of producing the most productive NFL wr in this class. His playmaking is the kind that translates without question. But if he's a mess between the ears, then there's little hope. I would strongly disagree with those who think he lacks top talent though, but then so did Charles Rogers. The assumption Mario is not hard working is probably valid and the real reason I give up. If he was a hardworking dedicated moron, he'd still rank very high with me. From the sounds of it, he's over his head in this process and just doesn't get it. His Combine was pathetic because he had yet to hire an agent (to explain things to him) or do any specific training. He just showed up figuring he could shine. Then he hired an agent who was helping him, putting him on the right path, possibly. This agent explained Mario's issue is a lifetime lack of direction, raised by one elderly and uninvolved grandparent, etc. This agent was fired. Bad idea, I think, but who knows the details. Now, he's being exposed, which is probaby good for those of us that see the talent. Better to come to terms with the problem now.

I have this thing about not grading a player a 1st rounder when they entered the offseason as a popular mid-round pick. I adjust my board throughout the offseason, but you'd have to do something really special to make a huge jump up the board. This is why I spent most of last offseason laughing at Tennessee for blowing a 2nd rounder on a guy that entered the offseason as a late round flier, looked good in t shirt and shorts, and then warrants getting selected 200 picks sooner in their minds. I'm not saying Devin Thomas is this year's Chris Henry, but I question whether he truly is worth a 1st rounder when he was looked at upon as a mid rounder a couple months ago and didn't really do anything special to warrant such a significant jump since. Seems to me that scouts were put off by the popular top WRs (Mario, Kelly, Doucet, etc.) and bumped up Thomas by default.

 

[FUBAR]

I missed it,thank god. Maybe he was high?

The last time I heard a really bad interview it was Frank Gore on the sideline. I cringed as he stumbled through question after question but he's a heck of a football player. It might be the ONLY interview I've ever heard of his so maybe it was just an off day.

Gore has a learning disability and while I thought it might hurt him in the NFL, he has always worked his butt off.

...unlike Mario. Gore has some brutal offseason workouts, I know it's just one offseason but call it a hunch I don't think Mario does much. I am slowly hopping off of his bandwagon. I now have zero players rated in round 1.

Thomas and possibly Kelly deserve first round grades. Kelly is running again soon. It should be interesting. It's fair to give up on Manningham at this point. I think we read his potential correctly back in January, which is capable of producing the most productive NFL wr in this class. His playmaking is the kind that translates without question. But if he's a mess between the ears, then there's little hope. I would strongly disagree with those who think he lacks top talent though, but then so did Charles Rogers. The assumption Mario is not hard working is probably valid and the real reason I give up. If he was a hardworking dedicated moron, he'd still rank very high with me. From the sounds of it, he's over his head in this process and just doesn't get it. His Combine was pathetic because he had yet to hire an agent (to explain things to him) or do any specific training. He just showed up figuring he could shine. Then he hired an agent who was helping him, putting him on the right path, possibly. This agent explained Mario's issue is a lifetime lack of direction, raised by one elderly and uninvolved grandparent, etc. This agent was fired. Bad idea, I think, but who knows the details. Now, he's being exposed, which is probaby good for those of us that see the talent. Better to come to terms with the problem now.

I have this thing about not grading a player a 1st rounder when they entered the offseason as a popular mid-round pick. I adjust my board throughout the offseason, but you'd have to do something really special to make a huge jump up the board. This is why I spent most of last offseason laughing at Tennessee for blowing a 2nd rounder on a guy that entered the offseason as a late round flier, looked good in t shirt and shorts, and then warrants getting selected 200 picks sooner in their minds. I'm not saying Devin Thomas is this year's Chris Henry, but I question whether he truly is worth a 1st rounder when he was looked at upon as a mid rounder a couple months ago and didn't really do anything special to warrant such a significant jump since. Seems to me that scouts were put off by the popular top WRs (Mario, Kelly, Doucet, etc.) and bumped up Thomas by default.

My theory is to avoid the players whose stock soars when it doesn't truly count, and go after those who never get hyped, but always produce. I could be wrong, but it sounds good.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I missed it,thank god. Maybe he was high?

The last time I heard a really bad interview it was Frank Gore on the sideline. I cringed as he stumbled through question after question but he's a heck of a football player. It might be the ONLY interview I've ever heard of his so maybe it was just an off day.

Gore has a learning disability and while I thought it might hurt him in the NFL, he has always worked his butt off.

...unlike Mario. Gore has some brutal offseason workouts, I know it's just one offseason but call it a hunch I don't think Mario does much. I am slowly hopping off of his bandwagon. I now have zero players rated in round 1.

Thomas and possibly Kelly deserve first round grades. Kelly is running again soon. It should be interesting. It's fair to give up on Manningham at this point. I think we read his potential correctly back in January, which is capable of producing the most productive NFL wr in this class. His playmaking is the kind that translates without question. But if he's a mess between the ears, then there's little hope. I would strongly disagree with those who think he lacks top talent though, but then so did Charles Rogers. The assumption Mario is not hard working is probably valid and the real reason I give up. If he was a hardworking dedicated moron, he'd still rank very high with me. From the sounds of it, he's over his head in this process and just doesn't get it. His Combine was pathetic because he had yet to hire an agent (to explain things to him) or do any specific training. He just showed up figuring he could shine. Then he hired an agent who was helping him, putting him on the right path, possibly. This agent explained Mario's issue is a lifetime lack of direction, raised by one elderly and uninvolved grandparent, etc. This agent was fired. Bad idea, I think, but who knows the details. Now, he's being exposed, which is probaby good for those of us that see the talent. Better to come to terms with the problem now.

I have this thing about not grading a player a 1st rounder when they entered the offseason as a popular mid-round pick. I adjust my board throughout the offseason, but you'd have to do something really special to make a huge jump up the board. This is why I spent most of last offseason laughing at Tennessee for blowing a 2nd rounder on a guy that entered the offseason as a late round flier, looked good in t shirt and shorts, and then warrants getting selected 200 picks sooner in their minds. I'm not saying Devin Thomas is this year's Chris Henry, but I question whether he truly is worth a 1st rounder when he was looked at upon as a mid rounder a couple months ago and didn't really do anything special to warrant such a significant jump since. Seems to me that scouts were put off by the popular top WRs (Mario, Kelly, Doucet, etc.) and bumped up Thomas by default.

True Thomas was a relatively unknown juco transfer, but you can't argue he didn't do anything like Henry. He caught 79 balls for almost 1300 yards and was a special teams standout. He was the focus of his offense and a star in that role. He finished in the top ten nationwide in receiving yards. If you have a thing about grading someone as a first rounder who started the season as a midrounder, well that's sort of your problem. Sorry. There's a long list of very successful players who took that route. Jay Cutler comes to mind, look at Reggie Nelson (a juco with only one good year), Dwayne Bowe had a long slow rise to the first round his senior season; Donte Whitner, Antonio Cromartie, Kamerion Wimbley, and Manny Lawson are all players I had to defend as first rounders in 06 who were viewed with mid-round skepticism earlier in the season. The grading process does a decent job of letting the cream rise to the top. Thomas has done that.

 

[MAC_32]

I missed it,thank god. Maybe he was high?

The last time I heard a really bad interview it was Frank Gore on the sideline. I cringed as he stumbled through question after question but he's a heck of a football player. It might be the ONLY interview I've ever heard of his so maybe it was just an off day.

Gore has a learning disability and while I thought it might hurt him in the NFL, he has always worked his butt off.

...unlike Mario. Gore has some brutal offseason workouts, I know it's just one offseason but call it a hunch I don't think Mario does much. I am slowly hopping off of his bandwagon. I now have zero players rated in round 1.

Thomas and possibly Kelly deserve first round grades. Kelly is running again soon. It should be interesting. It's fair to give up on Manningham at this point. I think we read his potential correctly back in January, which is capable of producing the most productive NFL wr in this class. His playmaking is the kind that translates without question. But if he's a mess between the ears, then there's little hope. I would strongly disagree with those who think he lacks top talent though, but then so did Charles Rogers. The assumption Mario is not hard working is probably valid and the real reason I give up. If he was a hardworking dedicated moron, he'd still rank very high with me. From the sounds of it, he's over his head in this process and just doesn't get it. His Combine was pathetic because he had yet to hire an agent (to explain things to him) or do any specific training. He just showed up figuring he could shine. Then he hired an agent who was helping him, putting him on the right path, possibly. This agent explained Mario's issue is a lifetime lack of direction, raised by one elderly and uninvolved grandparent, etc. This agent was fired. Bad idea, I think, but who knows the details. Now, he's being exposed, which is probaby good for those of us that see the talent. Better to come to terms with the problem now.

I have this thing about not grading a player a 1st rounder when they entered the offseason as a popular mid-round pick. I adjust my board throughout the offseason, but you'd have to do something really special to make a huge jump up the board. This is why I spent most of last offseason laughing at Tennessee for blowing a 2nd rounder on a guy that entered the offseason as a late round flier, looked good in t shirt and shorts, and then warrants getting selected 200 picks sooner in their minds. I'm not saying Devin Thomas is this year's Chris Henry, but I question whether he truly is worth a 1st rounder when he was looked at upon as a mid rounder a couple months ago and didn't really do anything special to warrant such a significant jump since. Seems to me that scouts were put off by the popular top WRs (Mario, Kelly, Doucet, etc.) and bumped up Thomas by default.

True Thomas was a relatively unknown juco transfer, but you can't argue he didn't do anything like Henry. He caught 79 balls for almost 1300 yards and was a special teams standout. He was the focus of his offense and a star in that role. He finished in the top ten nationwide in receiving yards. If you have a thing about grading someone as a first rounder who started the season as a midrounder, well that's sort of your problem. Sorry. There's a long list of very successful players who took that route. Jay Cutler comes to mind, look at Reggie Nelson (a juco with only one good year), Dwayne Bowe had a long slow rise to the first round his senior season; Donte Whitner, Antonio Cromartie, Kamerion Wimbley, and Manny Lawson are all players I had to defend as first rounders in 06 who were viewed with mid-round skepticism earlier in the season. The grading process does a decent job of letting the cream rise to the top. Thomas has done that.

While true he entered January as a popular mid-round target, he didn't begin the season that way; that's my problem - he entered the season as an unknown, finished the season as a mid rounder and has now magically vaulted to the 1st. Had he began the season as a mid rounder and emerged as a 1st rounder by season's end or at least been talked about as a top WR in this class that'd be something completely different. I like his game, but it's not wow'd me by any stretch of the imagination and nothing I've read has convinced me otherwise. He's risen because everyone else at his position has fallen.He was the focal point of the offense, but he never seemed to make any big plays when it mattered most in big spots when the defense clamped down on him with the exception of the Penn St game. If you ever need convincing that Justin King is not a top corner in this class queue up that tape and the one in which James Hardy destroyed him. He's a monster in single coverage when the QB has time to look down field, but that's not going to be the case very often at the next level.

In single coverage he consistently beat some pretty good corners, but apply any sort of additional attention to him (or pressure on the QB) and he all but disappears. After Ikeguando got beat deep in the Wisconsin game Thomas was shadowed the rest of the way. Northwestern, Michigan, and BC had him shadowed throughout and he didn't do much. Iowa and Indiana left their supposed stud corners on an island and they were beat (as was previously mentioned Penn St) early and often. Ohio St's Jenkins was left on an island and contained him throughout and was aided by a dominant pass rush not giving Hoyer anytime to look downfield all game long. The rest of the team's Thomas beat up on were not good ones.

He played well, but first round good? I don't know and with just one year of service under his belt taking him would be a HUGE risk I would not feel good about if my team picked him up. There are safer picks to make that early, a productive WR with upside can be found later for a cheaper price.

 

[Bossman]

anyone know where to find the Wonderlic score that this kid posted?

 

[Chaos Commish]

I missed it,thank god. Maybe he was high?

The last time I heard a really bad interview it was Frank Gore on the sideline. I cringed as he stumbled through question after question but he's a heck of a football player. It might be the ONLY interview I've ever heard of his so maybe it was just an off day.

Gore has a learning disability and while I thought it might hurt him in the NFL, he has always worked his butt off.

...unlike Mario. Gore has some brutal offseason workouts, I know it's just one offseason but call it a hunch I don't think Mario does much. I am slowly hopping off of his bandwagon. I now have zero players rated in round 1.

Thomas and possibly Kelly deserve first round grades. Kelly is running again soon. It should be interesting. It's fair to give up on Manningham at this point. I think we read his potential correctly back in January, which is capable of producing the most productive NFL wr in this class. His playmaking is the kind that translates without question. But if he's a mess between the ears, then there's little hope. I would strongly disagree with those who think he lacks top talent though, but then so did Charles Rogers. The assumption Mario is not hard working is probably valid and the real reason I give up. If he was a hardworking dedicated moron, he'd still rank very high with me. From the sounds of it, he's over his head in this process and just doesn't get it. His Combine was pathetic because he had yet to hire an agent (to explain things to him) or do any specific training. He just showed up figuring he could shine. Then he hired an agent who was helping him, putting him on the right path, possibly. This agent explained Mario's issue is a lifetime lack of direction, raised by one elderly and uninvolved grandparent, etc. This agent was fired. Bad idea, I think, but who knows the details. Now, he's being exposed, which is probaby good for those of us that see the talent. Better to come to terms with the problem now.

I have this thing about not grading a player a 1st rounder when they entered the offseason as a popular mid-round pick. I adjust my board throughout the offseason, but you'd have to do something really special to make a huge jump up the board. This is why I spent most of last offseason laughing at Tennessee for blowing a 2nd rounder on a guy that entered the offseason as a late round flier, looked good in t shirt and shorts, and then warrants getting selected 200 picks sooner in their minds. I'm not saying Devin Thomas is this year's Chris Henry, but I question whether he truly is worth a 1st rounder when he was looked at upon as a mid rounder a couple months ago and didn't really do anything special to warrant such a significant jump since. Seems to me that scouts were put off by the popular top WRs (Mario, Kelly, Doucet, etc.) and bumped up Thomas by default.

True Thomas was a relatively unknown juco transfer, but you can't argue he didn't do anything like Henry. He caught 79 balls for almost 1300 yards and was a special teams standout. He was the focus of his offense and a star in that role. He finished in the top ten nationwide in receiving yards. If you have a thing about grading someone as a first rounder who started the season as a midrounder, well that's sort of your problem. Sorry. There's a long list of very successful players who took that route. Jay Cutler comes to mind, look at Reggie Nelson (a juco with only one good year), Dwayne Bowe had a long slow rise to the first round his senior season; Donte Whitner, Antonio Cromartie, Kamerion Wimbley, and Manny Lawson are all players I had to defend as first rounders in 06 who were viewed with mid-round skepticism earlier in the season. The grading process does a decent job of letting the cream rise to the top. Thomas has done that.

While true he entered January as a popular mid-round target, he didn't begin the season that way; that's my problem - he entered the season as an unknown, finished the season as a mid rounder and has now magically vaulted to the 1st. Had he began the season as a mid rounder and emerged as a 1st rounder by season's end or at least been talked about as a top WR in this class that'd be something completely different. I like his game, but it's not wow'd me by any stretch of the imagination and nothing I've read has convinced me otherwise. He's risen because everyone else at his position has fallen.He was the focal point of the offense, but he never seemed to make any big plays when it mattered most in big spots when the defense clamped down on him with the exception of the Penn St game. If you ever need convincing that Justin King is not a top corner in this class queue up that tape and the one in which James Hardy destroyed him. He's a monster in single coverage when the QB has time to look down field, but that's not going to be the case very often at the next level.

In single coverage he consistently beat some pretty good corners, but apply any sort of additional attention to him (or pressure on the QB) and he all but disappears. After Ikeguando got beat deep in the Wisconsin game Thomas was shadowed the rest of the way. Northwestern, Michigan, and BC had him shadowed throughout and he didn't do much. Iowa and Indiana left their supposed stud corners on an island and they were beat (as was previously mentioned Penn St) early and often. Ohio St's Jenkins was left on an island and contained him throughout and was aided by a dominant pass rush not giving Hoyer anytime to look downfield all game long. The rest of the team's Thomas beat up on were not good ones.

He played well, but first round good? I don't know and with just one year of service under his belt taking him would be a HUGE risk I would not feel good about if my team picked him up. There are safer picks to make that early, a productive WR with upside can be found later for a cheaper price.

We're pretty much in agreement. I have felt all along this WR class was a little overrated and Thomas is benefiting from the other's shortcomings. I wouldn't draft one in the first round, but I won't begrudge a team with serious need moving a little early on Thomas or Hardy and maybe Kelly. I trust Bloom, EBF, Waldman, Construx and others as a group more than I trust myself individually... sometimes. The main point to me since the start of draft season is the WRs are a little overrated, very foggy to rank, and I think the best one is probably going to be unexpected. Someone like Simpson or Burton, but who knows.

 

[buster c]

I didn't hear the interview but I think, if it's as bad as you're making it out to be, it's a concern. I'm sorry if this comes off sounding callous, but if you're incapable of speaking intelligently (I'm not talking an Abraham Lincoln-esque orator, just someone that has SOME semblance of grammar and diction), I worry that you're ill equipped to handle the many challenges and temptations that come with being a privileged celebrity in a sycophantic world.

Allen Iverson?I don't know if that comparison is for or against your point though

what are you comparing?Iverson is from the south, as is Randy Moss, as is Clinton Portis. I think a lot of you confuse "dumb" for "southern," which has a slower dialect that other regions in the country.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

for when the link of the train wreck interview comes out.

 

[jurb26]

I missed it,thank god. Maybe he was high?

The last time I heard a really bad interview it was Frank Gore on the sideline. I cringed as he stumbled through question after question but he's a heck of a football player. It might be the ONLY interview I've ever heard of his so maybe it was just an off day.

Gore has a learning disability and while I thought it might hurt him in the NFL, he has always worked his butt off.

...unlike Mario. Gore has some brutal offseason workouts, I know it's just one offseason but call it a hunch I don't think Mario does much. I am slowly hopping off of his bandwagon. I now have zero players rated in round 1.

Thomas and possibly Kelly deserve first round grades. Kelly is running again soon. It should be interesting. It's fair to give up on Manningham at this point. I think we read his potential correctly back in January, which is capable of producing the most productive NFL wr in this class. His playmaking is the kind that translates without question. But if he's a mess between the ears, then there's little hope. I would strongly disagree with those who think he lacks top talent though, but then so did Charles Rogers. The assumption Mario is not hard working is probably valid and the real reason I give up. If he was a hardworking dedicated moron, he'd still rank very high with me. From the sounds of it, he's over his head in this process and just doesn't get it. His Combine was pathetic because he had yet to hire an agent (to explain things to him) or do any specific training. He just showed up figuring he could shine. Then he hired an agent who was helping him, putting him on the right path, possibly. This agent explained Mario's issue is a lifetime lack of direction, raised by one elderly and uninvolved grandparent, etc. This agent was fired. Bad idea, I think, but who knows the details. Now, he's being exposed, which is probaby good for those of us that see the talent. Better to come to terms with the problem now.

I have this thing about not grading a player a 1st rounder when they entered the offseason as a popular mid-round pick. I adjust my board throughout the offseason, but you'd have to do something really special to make a huge jump up the board. This is why I spent most of last offseason laughing at Tennessee for blowing a 2nd rounder on a guy that entered the offseason as a late round flier, looked good in t shirt and shorts, and then warrants getting selected 200 picks sooner in their minds. I'm not saying Devin Thomas is this year's Chris Henry, but I question whether he truly is worth a 1st rounder when he was looked at upon as a mid rounder a couple months ago and didn't really do anything special to warrant such a significant jump since. Seems to me that scouts were put off by the popular top WRs (Mario, Kelly, Doucet, etc.) and bumped up Thomas by default.

True Thomas was a relatively unknown juco transfer, but you can't argue he didn't do anything like Henry. He caught 79 balls for almost 1300 yards and was a special teams standout. He was the focus of his offense and a star in that role. He finished in the top ten nationwide in receiving yards. If you have a thing about grading someone as a first rounder who started the season as a midrounder, well that's sort of your problem. Sorry. There's a long list of very successful players who took that route. Jay Cutler comes to mind, look at Reggie Nelson (a juco with only one good year), Dwayne Bowe had a long slow rise to the first round his senior season; Donte Whitner, Antonio Cromartie, Kamerion Wimbley, and Manny Lawson are all players I had to defend as first rounders in 06 who were viewed with mid-round skepticism earlier in the season. The grading process does a decent job of letting the cream rise to the top. Thomas has done that.

While true he entered January as a popular mid-round target, he didn't begin the season that way; that's my problem - he entered the season as an unknown, finished the season as a mid rounder and has now magically vaulted to the 1st. Had he began the season as a mid rounder and emerged as a 1st rounder by season's end or at least been talked about as a top WR in this class that'd be something completely different. I like his game, but it's not wow'd me by any stretch of the imagination and nothing I've read has convinced me otherwise. He's risen because everyone else at his position has fallen.He was the focal point of the offense, but he never seemed to make any big plays when it mattered most in big spots when the defense clamped down on him with the exception of the Penn St game. If you ever need convincing that Justin King is not a top corner in this class queue up that tape and the one in which James Hardy destroyed him. He's a monster in single coverage when the QB has time to look down field, but that's not going to be the case very often at the next level.

In single coverage he consistently beat some pretty good corners, but apply any sort of additional attention to him (or pressure on the QB) and he all but disappears. After Ikeguando got beat deep in the Wisconsin game Thomas was shadowed the rest of the way. Northwestern, Michigan, and BC had him shadowed throughout and he didn't do much. Iowa and Indiana left their supposed stud corners on an island and they were beat (as was previously mentioned Penn St) early and often. Ohio St's Jenkins was left on an island and contained him throughout and was aided by a dominant pass rush not giving Hoyer anytime to look downfield all game long. The rest of the team's Thomas beat up on were not good ones.

He played well, but first round good? I don't know and with just one year of service under his belt taking him would be a HUGE risk I would not feel good about if my team picked him up. There are safer picks to make that early, a productive WR with upside can be found later for a cheaper price.

We're pretty much in agreement. I have felt all along this WR class was a little overrated and Thomas is benefiting from the other's shortcomings. I wouldn't draft one in the first round, but I won't begrudge a team with serious need moving a little early on Thomas or Hardy and maybe Kelly. I trust Bloom, EBF, Waldman, Construx and others as a group more than I trust myself individually... sometimes. The main point to me since the start of draft season is the WRs are a little overrated, very foggy to rank, and I think the best one is probably going to be unexpected. Someone like Simpson or Burton, but who knows.

Trust your instincts... this WR class is overrated.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I didn't hear the interview but I think, if it's as bad as you're making it out to be, it's a concern. I'm sorry if this comes off sounding callous, but if you're incapable of speaking intelligently (I'm not talking an Abraham Lincoln-esque orator, just someone that has SOME semblance of grammar and diction), I worry that you're ill equipped to handle the many challenges and temptations that come with being a privileged celebrity in a sycophantic world.

Allen Iverson?I don't know if that comparison is for or against your point though

what are you comparing?Iverson is from the south, as is Randy Moss, as is Clinton Portis. I think a lot of you confuse "dumb" for "southern," which has a slower dialect that other regions in the country.

Iverson is disrespectful and has bad grammar, but he's a pretty smart guy. Just because he's selfish and doesn't care about book smarts doesn't mean that he's not bright. As for Manningham, I think he's going to be a bust. He's starting to remind me of Freddie Mitchell. He's a guy that can flash some talent, but doesn't work hard, isn't consistent and will never fully learn a playbook because he's just going to rely on his natural talent.And it seems sort of silly to compare dumb WRs with dumb RBs. RBs don't require nearly as much studying of the playbook as WRs to be successful.

 

[Raider Nation]

MANNINGHAM'S WONDERLIC SCORE "REAL AND DESERVED"

Posted by Mike Florio on April 26, 2008, 10:55 a.m.

Comments from league insiders continue to flow into PFT headquarters regarding the disclosure that Michigan receiver Mario Manningham (who might not even be able to spell his name correctly on a consistent basis) scored a six in the Wonderlic.

A league source has further confirmed that Mario did indeed pick a six, saying that the score is "real and deserved."

Per the source, Manningham showed low intelligence in some of his team visits, which will not help him reverse a steep slide of what once was believed to be a round-one draft stock.

But there's no denying that Manningham is a phenomenal athlete. Even if he might ultimately need to have the ten letters in his last name tattooed on his fingers and thumbs.

In a few short hours, some lucky team is going to get this sharp cookie.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

4th round

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Did anyone find a link to the interview itself? Sorry, if it's posted somewhere in here...

 

[millertyme1]

4th round

Was just coming in here to post late 3rd/4th round. He could find himself land in a nice spot to produce as a teams #3 WR and become a #2 in time. Guy is a headcase. Can remember the numerous times he'd ##### and moan about not getting the ball last year .......then he'd flatly drop the next pass.

 

[RenegadeGM]

link

April 16, 2008

Mario Manningham's bad air day

I finally got a chance to hear that Mario Manningham radio interview that was causing so much hubbub earlier in the week. For those of you just catching up, the Michigan receiver on Monday had what was described as a disastrous interview with Adam Schein and Tim Hasselbeck on the Sirius Blitz radio show. The term “train wreck” has been used more than once in regard to the interview.

Maybe all the buildup colored my listening experience, but I didn’t think it was that bad. Not train-wreck bad but perhaps fender-bender-where-the-police-get-involed-and-you-have-no-insurance bad. One of the Sirius guys played the interview for me over the phone today because there’s no link to it on the web and I took notes. I kept waiting for that Ryan-Leaf-meltdown moment, but it never came. Yes, Manningham sounded a bit defensive at times but, to be fair, the interviewers were peppering him pretty hard with the same line of questioning. Manningham reportedly failed two drug tests while at Michigan and then didn’t own up to them during interviews at the scouting combine. He and his agent have since sent letters to all 32 teams admitting that he failed the tests. Most of the questions were in that vein.

And no, I don’t think Manningham will be splitting the atom anytime soon, and, yes, I like my chances against him in Final Jeopardy. But Manningham’s been criticized for coming off like a total dunce and in my experience there are far less articulate athletes out there. In my opinion, the worst part of the interview was that Manningham seemed to be conducting it on the run. Lots of jostling sounds and garbled replies. At one point, I thought I heard a car-door chime go off. I don’t know about you, but if I’m doing a national radio interview on the eve of the draft that might be heard by GMs and coaches, I lock myself in a quiet room, pull the drapes, turn off the lights and focus.

Anyway, here are the salient replies from the interview.

On what he’s learned from the drug-test episode:

“I was just decisions, like, dumb decisions that someone like me shouldn’t have made … It was like three years ago when I first came to school.”

On how he will try to make amends:

“Talk to (the teams). Let them know (about) Mario Manningham. The real Mario Manningham. I’m mature. I’m not stupid. I know what to do and what not to do.”

On how he is trying to convey the “real” Mario Manningham in interviews:

“I don’t tell them nothing. I’m just laughing and smiling … just having a conversation with them.”

On how he’s reacted to the flap:

“I’m not worried about people talking because people are going to talk.”

On criticism that he dropped passes in key moments while at Michigan:

“(laughs) Hey, can’t do nothing. It happens. They say I drop balls, ok, what about caught balls? I can’t say nothing. I just play – get out there and get my ball on.”

On Michigan State’s Devin Thomas getting more pre-draft hype than him:

“That’s someone else’s opinion. I have my own opinion.”

On mock drafts:

“You really can’t pay attention to the mock drafts because some of (the mock drafters) haven’t played a down of football in their life.”

By the way, Manningham said he had visits lined up with the Giants, Dolphins and Texans. The Chron reported that he visited the Raiders today.

-- Matt Barrows

 

[Raider Nation]

I know rookie WRs usually struggle in general, but this is why I pay attention to how a prospect comes across verbally.

Manningham's 2008 numbers: 4 receptions, 26 yards, 8 DNPs.

I'm getting a similar vibe from a WR prospect this year, and I hate to tell you who it is.

Michael Crabtree.

Heard him interviewed yesterday by Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan on Moving the Chains on Sirius Radio. He left me completely underwhelmed. Seemed extremely unintelligent, unimpressive, and came across as a guy who is waiting for a pay day. Some examples: Kirwan asked him what his "favorite play" at Texas Tech would have sounded like in the huddle.

Crabtree: "Uhhh, slant."

Kirwan: "That's the whole play call? Slant."

Crabtree: "Well, you know... slant ace."

Kirwan: "Slant ace?"

Crabtree: "Yeah."

Kirwan:

They went on to ask him several general football questions. Questions almost all of the other prospects answered brilliantly and in detailed fashion. Crabtree struggled to say more than a few words, or he was simply disinterested in the whole process. Either way, there were definite red flags in that interview and the hosts noticed it too. They made excuses for him after the fact, but you could tell they were uncomfortable with what they just heard.

Now, the difference in talent between Crabtree and Manningham is enormous. So Crabtree could in fact be a success even if he is a jughead. I just didn't like ANY of what I heard. Good thing he doesn't have a 40 time on record. This means Oakland won't take him.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I know rookie WRs usually struggle in general, but this is why I pay attention to how a prospect comes across verbally.

Manningham's 2008 numbers: 4 receptions, 26 yards, 8 DNPs.

I'm getting a similar vibe from a WR prospect this year, and I hate to tell you who it is.

Michael Crabtree.

Heard him interviewed yesterday by Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan on Moving the Chains on Sirius Radio. He left me completely underwhelmed. Seemed extremely unintelligent, unimpressive, and came across as a guy who is waiting for a pay day. Some examples: Kirwan asked him what his "favorite play" at Texas Tech would have sounded like in the huddle.

Crabtree: "Uhhh, slant."

Kirwan: "That's the whole play call? Slant."

Crabtree: "Well, you know... slant ace."

Kirwan: "Slant ace?"

Crabtree: "Yeah."

Kirwan:

They went on to ask him several general football questions. Questions almost all of the other prospects answered brilliantly and in detailed fashion. Crabtree struggled to say more than a few words, or he was simply disinterested in the whole process. Either way, there were definite red flags in that interview and the hosts noticed it too. They made excuses for him after the fact, but you could tell they were uncomfortable with what they just heard.

Now, the difference in talent between Crabtree and Manningham is enormous. So Crabtree could in fact be a success even if he is a jughead. I just didn't like ANY of what I heard. Good thing he doesn't have a 40 time on record. This means Oakland won't take him.

Just to be clear, Raider Nation isn't an alias of mine, but I do like reading Radier Nation posts.

 

[Raider Nation]

Just to be clear, Raider Nation isn't an alias of mine, but I do like reading Radier Nation posts.

 

[SugarNuts]

I know rookie WRs usually struggle in general, but this is why I pay attention to how a prospect comes across verbally.

Manningham's 2008 numbers: 4 receptions, 26 yards, 8 DNPs.

I'm getting a similar vibe from a WR prospect this year, and I hate to tell you who it is.

Michael Crabtree.

Heard him interviewed yesterday by Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan on Moving the Chains on Sirius Radio. He left me completely underwhelmed. Seemed extremely unintelligent, unimpressive, and came across as a guy who is waiting for a pay day. Some examples: Kirwan asked him what his "favorite play" at Texas Tech would have sounded like in the huddle.

Crabtree: "Uhhh, slant."

Kirwan: "That's the whole play call? Slant."

Crabtree: "Well, you know... slant ace."

Kirwan: "Slant ace?"

Crabtree: "Yeah."

Kirwan:

They went on to ask him several general football questions. Questions almost all of the other prospects answered brilliantly and in detailed fashion. Crabtree struggled to say more than a few words, or he was simply disinterested in the whole process. Either way, there were definite red flags in that interview and the hosts noticed it too. They made excuses for him after the fact, but you could tell they were uncomfortable with what they just heard.

Now, the difference in talent between Crabtree and Manningham is enormous. So Crabtree could in fact be a success even if he is a jughead. I just didn't like ANY of what I heard. Good thing he doesn't have a 40 time on record. This means Oakland won't take him.

I heard some of it, and I have to agree. I caught the part about him running his 40 time. He basically said he had never been timed and used basketball ( ) as a reason he wasnt timed. Said that he was timed back in like 9th grade. Dude just generally seems like an idiot, and I think you hit the nail on the head comparing his interview to Manningham's last year.

 

[Wu-banger]

Crabtree was on Mike and Mike this morning as well as Tirico and SVP right now...

the M&M interview was pretty much fluff ... but he responded well.

Tirico is asking tougher questions regarding the Cleveland report of character issue and "diva" comments... he is responding well again.

No flameouts or red flags so far.

 

[Raider Nation]

I heard some of it, and I have to agree. I caught the part about him running his 40 time. He basically said he had never been timed and used basketball ( ) as a reason he wasnt timed. Said that he was timed back in like 9th grade. Dude just generally seems like an idiot, and I think you hit the nail on the head comparing his interview to Manningham's last year.

Totally forgot about that part. Ryan asked him if he EVER ran a 40 while at Texas Tech. The answer was so bizarre, as you pointed out, it's like the guy is from another planet. "Nah, I didn't run a 40 because I was playing basketball." .... "I only had sneakers." .... "Think I ran one in 9th grade... I dunno the time." Ryan: Kirwan also asked him how he would beat the jam at the line, obviously looking for some technical mumbo jumbo."You know... use my strength."Okay then.

 

[Raider Nation]

Crabtree was on Mike and Mike this morning

This is actually coming up right after the commercial on ESPN2... Best of M&M in the Morning.

 

[NorrisB]

has it happened yet?

 

[Raider Nation]

has it happened yet?

ESPN2 you mean? No. They teased it but it must be after McShay.

On now. He's in studio.

 

[NorrisB]

He sounds pretty good, looks clean cut

 

[Raider Nation]

He sounds pretty good, looks clean cut

Yeah, he does seem like a good kid. Maybe he just had a bad day yesterday. Happens to all of us.

 

[SugarNuts]

He sounds pretty good, looks clean cut

Yeah, he does seem like a good kid. Maybe he just had a bad day yesterday. Happens to all of us.

Not me. Im perfect.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

you guys ever hear edge james talk?

if the dude can play he can play.

 

[bcr8f]

And they wouldn't give Greg Jennings a scholarship.

 

[bcr8f]

I know rookie WRs usually struggle in general, but this is why I pay attention to how a prospect comes across verbally.

Manningham's 2008 numbers: 4 receptions, 26 yards, 8 DNPs.

I'm getting a similar vibe from a WR prospect this year, and I hate to tell you who it is.

Michael Crabtree.

Heard him interviewed yesterday by Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan on Moving the Chains on Sirius Radio. He left me completely underwhelmed. Seemed extremely unintelligent, unimpressive, and came across as a guy who is waiting for a pay day. Some examples: Kirwan asked him what his "favorite play" at Texas Tech would have sounded like in the huddle.

Crabtree: "Uhhh, slant."

Kirwan: "That's the whole play call? Slant."

Crabtree: "Well, you know... slant ace."

Kirwan: "Slant ace?"

Crabtree: "Yeah."

Kirwan:

They went on to ask him several general football questions. Questions almost all of the other prospects answered brilliantly and in detailed fashion. Crabtree struggled to say more than a few words, or he was simply disinterested in the whole process. Either way, there were definite red flags in that interview and the hosts noticed it too. They made excuses for him after the fact, but you could tell they were uncomfortable with what they just heard.

Now, the difference in talent between Crabtree and Manningham is enormous. So Crabtree could in fact be a success even if he is a jughead. I just didn't like ANY of what I heard. Good thing he doesn't have a 40 time on record. This means Oakland won't take him.

Or nervous and shy. Anyone remember Sterling Sharpe when he started broadcasting? When he was playing he didn't talk to kids because he was too shy. One interview isn't enough to convince me.