Jared Goff and Carson Wentz: Pro-Ready Vs. Upside

Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf

Most people knew the name Peyton Manning by the time the 1998 draft rolled around.  He was the son of former Pro Bowler Archie Manning, having grown up in a football family and been as well-versed as any prospect in the pro intricacies of the game.  Not overly mobile but big, accurate and intelligent.  Ryan Leaf was a rising star on the west coast boasting a powerful arm that led Washington State to its first conference title ever and a near-upset of eventual national champion Michigan.

The Result:

It became clear right away that it wasn’t the physical aspects that would define this argument, but the mental ones.  Peyton had been well-prepared by his father and matured as a senior in college when he went #1 to Indianapolis.  Leaf was still living his college year when he came out as a junior.

Manning became the all-time NFL passing leader and two-time Super Bowl champion.  Leaf was an utter disaster in San Diego, showing poor behavior that turned teammates against him and eventually got him cut after two seasons.  He was out of football before his 26th birthday.

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