Impact Analysis: Mario Manningham, New York Giants

May 16, 2008 @ 07:39:36

By Charles Roberts
Edited by Herija C. Green

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning went from one of the most scrutinized athletes in the Big Apple to a guy that has more options than Hugh Hefner. Okay, not exactly. Regardless, aside from having a sound running game behind him, he has one of the league's best tight ends in Jeremy Shockey, an up-and-coming talent in tight end Kevin Boss and a pretty nice lineup of wide receivers, featuring the likes of Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Steven Smith, Sinorice Moss, David Tyree and their newest addition, third-round pick Mario Manningham.

Considering he was a third-round pick, it's hard to blame the Giants for not letting a player of Manningham's magnitude breeze past them, despite having an already crowded crop of receivers. On a deeper level, however, this may signify they aren't completely sold on Moss or Tyree. Burress and Toomer have the top two positions locked down, while expectations are still high for Smith's second season. Keep in mind, though, that Burress will be 31 when the 2008 season kicks off and Toomer will turn 34 in early September, so the Manningham pick was almost certainly done with at least one eye on the future.

It would be difficult to imagine a situation where Manningham doesn't assume the No. 4 spot from day one. This would essentially leave a two-man battle for the fifth spot between Tyree and Moss. Tyree, who of course will forever be remembered for his incredible catch in the late stages of last year's Super Bowl, was otherwise a non-factor, tallying only four receptions for 35 yards during the regular season. Moss, who saw a bulk of the action at the No. 4 spot, didn't have a tremendous impact during the regular season himself, snagging just 21 receptions for 225 yards last season. The 2006 second-round pick has appeared in just 19 games due to injury.

Manningham is a guy that brings a world of upside in terms of his ability to produce on the field. Had it not been for some alleged off-the-field issues and a mediocre effort at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, he may have very well been among the first receivers taken in this year's pool. While at the University of Michigan, he made a name for himself by stretching the field and having a general knack for making big plays. Furthermore, what he lacks in size (6-foot, 181 pounds), he makes up for with his vertical leap (most recently 35 inches at Michigan's Pro Day). Another positive attribute Manningham brings is the ability to adjust to the ball. Once it's in the air, he turns on the afterburners to get to it.

Like many highly coveted collegiate standouts at the receiver position, the early-going for Manningham will likely be a work-in-progress. This is especially true in his situation, considering the position wasn't a high priority for the Giants entering the draft. Chances are he'll get his opportunity making the occasional reception while being groomed as an eventual replacement for Toomer, who is entering his 13th season. 

Fantasy Outlook

While Manningham may have a direct impact on rearranging the fourth and fifth receiver spots on the Giants roster, don't expect his addition to change much in terms of what their receiving corps has to offer your fantasy team. The bottom line hasn't changed here at all. Burress remains a low-end No. 1 or strong No. 2, while Toomer should be considered a solid No. 5 with no upside.

This season may be a good opportunity for Smith to step up and make a name for himself, so keep your eye on him, but don't consider him on draft day as he figures to work almost exclusively out of the slot. Manningham's first-year fantasy value should be minimal, as with two proven wide receivers, a quality tight end and a solid running game, on paper, there simply aren't enough footballs to go around. Don't expend a pick on Manningham in single-year leagues.

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Charles Roberts
Charles Roberts has been a KFFL contributor since 2006.

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