Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Archie Manning (College Stats) - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #2 by NO


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Archie Manning - 1971 NFL Draft

Player: Archie Manning

College: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

College Stats Overview

  • Years Played: 1968 - 1970
  • Passing Yards: 4,753
  • Touchdowns: 31
  • Interceptions: 42
  • Completion Percentage: 58.2%

Strengths

  • Strong Arm: Manning possessed an exceptional arm strength, enabling him to make deep throws and stretch the field.
  • Mobility: He had good athleticism and the ability to escape pressure, making him a dual-threat quarterback.
  • Leadership: Known for his competitive nature and leadership qualities, he inspired confidence in his teammates.
  • Football IQ: Demonstrated a strong understanding of the game, showing the ability to read defenses and make quick decisions.

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent Performance: At times, Manning struggled with consistency, which raised questions about his ability to perform at the next level.
  • High Interception Rate: His interception numbers were a concern, indicating a need for improvement in decision-making.
  • Injury History: He had a history of injuries during his college career, which could affect his durability in the NFL.

Overall Assessment

Archie Manning was viewed as a highly talented quarterback with the potential to succeed in the NFL. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership made him an attractive prospect for teams in need of a quarterback. However, concerns about his consistency and interception rate led to debates about his readiness for professional play. Manning was expected to be a top pick in the 1971 NFL Draft, with many analysts projecting him as a franchise quarterback capable of making an immediate impact.