Archie Manning

New Orleans Saints

Archie Manning has burst onto the NFL scene with such force that he appears to have impressed the pro scouts in his rookie year more than Jim Plunkett, and normal progress would almost certainly guarantee his rise to the outstanding category.

Big (6-foot-3 and 204 pounds), fast )4.7 for the 40) and with a strong arm (a rating of 4 for throwing ability), Manning has all the physical assets any scout seeks. He also appears to have revealed the other qualities scouts want.

No. 1 is leadership, and what the scouts already have seen indicates a shot at the 4-5 area. And, in reaction under pressure, Manning has been just as impressive, again indicating the 4-5 area when he matures.

What has impressed the scouts most is his ability to take charge on a football field, reflected by his mark in leadership. That a rookie should be able to show that kind of poise and polish with a weak team is indeed a tribute to a talented and confident athlete.

Manning, of course, was all that at the University of Mississippi. That he would begin to fulfill his promise so quickly as a pro is what has jolted virtually everyone- for it was generally conceded that Plunkett would make the big splash first.
 

And when Manning gets his feet wet in the reading defenses department, the outstanding category is certain to beckon. It's just a matter of time, and the time may not be long.

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