Former FSU QB EJ Manuel drafted by Buffalo Bills with 16th overall pick - Orlando Sentinel (blog)

EJ Manuel was selected 16th overall in Thursday's opening round of the NFL Draft, going to the Buffalo Bills. The former FSU quarterback was the first quarterback taken in the draft. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel / April 25, 2013)

Former Florida State�quarterback EJ Manuel�will call�Buffalo, N.Y.�home for the foreseeable future. Claimed with the�16th overall pick in Thursday's opening round of the NFL Draft, he was the first signal-caller and first player with FSU ties taken in the draft. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills.

He became the highest drafted former Seminoles quarterback in�two years. Christian Ponder�was claimed 12th overall in the 2011 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Manuel and Ponder played alongside each other in Tallahassee, with Manuel reliving Ponder when he got injured late in his college career.

Manuel will be joining former Seminoles punter Shawn Powell and linebacker Nigel Bradham in Buffalo. Both were drafted by the Bills last year.

After walking out on the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Manuel was interviewed on NFL Network by fellow former Seminoles standout, Deion Sanders.

"I'm so happy," Manuel said, visibly fighting back tears. "My parents and grandmothers ... they made so many sacrifices for me and my sister."

Pressed by Sanders about why he was so happy, Manuel said he was happy for himself, "my family, my teammates, Florida State University and Coach [Jimbo] Fisher." Fisher and his family are in New York for the draft. Fisher was standing next to Manuel near the entrance to the stage when Manuel walked out to receive his Bills hat and a hug from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Before the Senior Bowl, Manuel had been projected as a fourth or fifth-round pick. Once he claimed the Senior Bowl's MVP trophy, the 25-6 lifetime college starter, shot up draft projections. Most believed he would be a second-round pick.

Manuel was asked by Sanders about playing with his mother's battle with breast cancer in the background.

"You think about the journey ... when I was a little kid ... the ups and downs," Manuel said, still holding back tears. "When this moment comes, I'm just so happy."

Here's our story from earlier this week on Manuel and what that entire journey has been like.

Here's also�what the NFL Network had to say about himin this pre-draft nfl.com blurb about him:

Strengths

Physically imposing passer. Throws from the shotgun formation quite often, but is also effective on play action. Flashes the velocity to stretch the field and throw in tight spaces between defenders and on the sideline. Displays good touch on throws to each level of the field, finds receivers between defenders and drop passes over their head. Good athlete with the mobility to step up in the pocket to avoid pressure and take advantage of openings to pick up first downs with his feet. Quick release, though it often looks as though he�s throwing darts on shorter throws. Intelligent, high character team leader.

Weaknesses

Gives opponents too many chances for turnovers by forcing throws into coverage trying to make a play. Area code accuracy � short throws are often low or wide, preventing receivers from making a play after the catch. Deep ball accuracy is uneven, as well. Gets happy feet under pressure, spins to the outside to avoid the rush. Inconsistent recognizing blitz. Must step into his throws more consistently to fully utilize his arm strength.

NFL Comparison

Blaine Gabbert

Bottom Line

As gifted as any quarterback in the class, the physically imposing Manuel has a chance to shoot up this list using his strong arm and mobility in 2012. Scouts appreciate his leadership qualities and toughness (played through his mom's cancer treatments and a broken leg in 2011�s Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame), and hope he can improve on his consistency. The Seminoles' decision-making and accuracy drop in the face of pressure, but Manuel has the velocity and mobility teams look for in a project quarterback.

Email me at coharvey@orlandosentinel.com, and follow on Twitter at @os_coleyharvey.

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