History of the Colts part 4: The Forehead Cometh

Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? In hindsight, the decision isn't even close. In 1998 before the draft, there was a lot more stress about this choice. Manning was seen as more pro ready, but they said Leaf would be the better player after about 5 years. They said Leaf's deep ball was better than Manning's. Polian actually paid Walsh $5,000 to watch every throw these guys made in college to figure out who was better.

So why did we choose Manning? This is where things get fun. I want to go into some detail about each prospect without the knowledge we have now to see exactly what Polian(in his first draft as Colts GM) saw in the Forehead.

(Interesting fact: The Colts coaching staff in '98 included Bruce Arians (QB Coach) and John Pagano (Defensive Assistant))

#Ryan Leaf

Notables:

• Born: May 15th 1976
• Height: 6' 5"
• Weight: 235
• High School: Great Falls (MT) Russell
• College: Washington State
• NFL Draft: 1998 Round 1 Pick 2 - San Diego Chargers
• Teams played for: Chargers, Bucs, Cowboys, Seahawks

College Stats:

		Pass
Year	G	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	TD	Int	Rate
1995	9	52	97	53.6	654	4	1	121.8
1996	11	194	373	52.0	2811	21	12	127.5
1997	12	227	410	55.4	3968	34	11	158.7
Career		473	880	53.8	7433	59	24	141.4

Scouting report

Leaf had a quick release and a good deep ball, exceptional arm strength. He wasn't extremely mobile, but neither was Manning. He was built like a tree trunk and thought to be able to take bigger hits without getting injured. One of his biggest weaknesses was his drop-back, Bill Walsh commented saying that it was sloppy and sluggish, but it was something that could be easily improved. Very good pocket presence and could step up when needed. Another problem was that he rarely threw a perfect spiral pass, which would make "weather" games much more difficult. Under pressure, Leaf was stone cold and could release the ball with a bull rush in his face. Raw talent with much room to grow.

Video:

1998 rose bowl MICHIGAN vs RYAN LEAF and WSU

1998 rose bowl Full Game

UCLA vs. Washington State; Aug. 30, 1997

#Peyton Manning

Notables:

• Born: March 24th 1976
• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 230
• High School: New Orleans (LA) Newman
• College: Tennessee
• NFL Draft: 1998 Round 1 Pick 1 - Indianapolis Colts
• Team Played for: Colts, Broncos

College Stats:

				Pass
Year	School	Pos	G	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yds	TD	Int	Rate
1994	Tennessee	QB	11	89	144	61.8	1141	11	6	145.2
1995	Tennessee	QB	11	244	380	64.2	2954	22	4	146.5
1996	Tennessee	QB	11	243	380	63.9	3287	20	12	147.7
1997	Tennessee	QB	12	287	477	60.2	3819	36	11	147.7
Career	Tennessee			863	1381	62.5	11201	89	33	147.1

Scouting report:

Manning was frail for a QB, injuries were a risk with his frame. Had good touch on rainbow passes in the endzone. Not very mobile, but could move up in the pocket when necessary. Urgent drop-back that needed some work. Excellect pocket presence, could survey the field much better than Leaf. Student of the game, extremely knowledgeable about most positions, coverages, and routes. Overhand thrower with tight spiral. Very accurate, timing as good as any NFL QB at the time. Mistakes made when under pressure. Confident when throwing into tight coverage, could be interception risk. Polished talent, not much room to grow.

Video:

Peyton Manning at Tennessee: Simply the Best

Peyton Manning Tennessee Tribute

#9 Tennessee vs #11 Northwestern - 1997 Citrus Bowl (Peyton Manning: 408 yds/4 TDs)

Other 1998 draft info:

1998 draft Wiki

The Chairmen - By Peter King

The Toughest Job in Sports - by Peter King

Did Ryan Leaf Sabotage the draft?