Browns Blog

Good job, Mario

Manningham wasn't known for talking to reporters during three seasons as a standout receiver at the University of Michigan. Unlike many of the talkative, self-promoting propsects that filter in and out of the media room, Manningham keeps his talking to a minimum.

Manningham, however, showed an engaging side to his personality. He talked about what it was like to play for former Harding coach Thom McDaniels. He joked that he was criticized for running a bad route on a 10-yard touchdown reception that gave Michigan a last-second win over Penn State in his freshman season.

With the media part of the combine out of the way, Manningham was able to set his sights on the physical drills. He's expected to perform well in those drills and solidify a place in the first round of the draft.

It's a positive that Manningham will participate in all of the drills. It shows coaches and general managers that he's confident and not afraid to lay it on the line at a time when a bad performance could hurt his stock.

The prevailing opinion seems to be that Manningham is as talented as any receiver in getting open and stretching the field. A potential drawback is his lack of strong blocking skills.

Some people think Manningham lacks prototypical size (5-foot-11, 181). That could result in a slight drop in the first round, but it's doubtful he'll slip to the second round.

If Manningham would be there in round two, he'd be a steal for the team that selects him. More than likely, Manningham will be selected somewhere from the middle to the end of round one.