Rams Rookie Preview: Sean Mannion, Quarterback

Sean Mannion is the highest drafted quarterback taken by the Rams since Sam Bradford went first overall in 2010. Before that, you need to go all the way back to 1986 when the Rams still played in Los Angeles to find a higher drafted quarterback. That was Hugh Millen, taken in the third round with the 71st overall pick out of Washington. It’s been a while since St. Louis put a fair amount of stock in a quarterback right out of the draft, minus Bradford that is. Maybe Bradford has made upper management gun-shy on quarterbacks in the draft? If that’s the case, Mannion should help quell those fears.

Mannion was taken in the third round, 89th overall out of Oregon State. The high flying pro-style offense of the Pac-12 made Mannion pro ready according to most scouts. He was a four-year starter who now owns 18 passing records at Oregon State. He’s tall, 6’6″ to be exact. He sees well over even

May 8, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sean Mannion (14) runs through drills during rookie minicamp at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

the largest offensive linemen making easy reads over the middle. Mannion looks comfortable with 3, 5 and 7 step drops out of the pocket, and isn’t afraid to go play-action on occasion. Oregon State head coach Mike Riley was even allowing Mannion to make pre-snap reads and audibles in their time together.

Many draft experts had Mannion in discussions as one of  the next best options after the obvious top two picks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. Ultimately, scouts settled on a fifth round grade for Mannion citing a few inefficiencies. Tempo was the biggest concern. He seems slow in his progressions and can develop heavy feet at times. His awareness and ability to protect the ball also hold him back. Mannion finished his career with 30 fumbles and 54 interceptions. That’s an average of about one interception per game over a four-year career.

NFL comparisons were all over the board. The highest praise being given as a liking to Matt Schaub on the good days, and Mike Glennon on the bad ones. If the Rams drafted Glennon 2.0, their in for a long training camp. However, if you flip to the other side of the coin and find some Schaub in there, you’ve got yourself a very productive back up quarterback. Something the Rams have lacked for quite some time.

Nick Foles is penciled in as the opening day starter, but the depth chart has yet to be decided. Behind Foles, falls newly reacquired Case Keenum from Houston, 2014 gun slinger Austin Davis and the unproven Mannion. All three have potential, but the Rams won’t carry all four on the active roster. Expect Mannion to slide nicely into the second back up role this summer and look to build trust moving forward.