How Much Will EJ Manuel Play In 2013?

Followers of the NFL already know how much of an impact a rookie quarterback can make in the league right away these days. From Cam Newton to Andrew Luck, there have been quite a few youngsters who have instantly helped their team turn thing around. With EJ Manuel now on the roster for Buffalo, just how much of a chance will he have to make an instant difference? 

With Ryan Fitzpatrick out and Kevin Kolb in, the veteran fresh off a subpar showing in Arizona is the only true threat that stands in front of Manuel. Kolb is known as a steady signal caller who doesn’t make a ton of mistakes,  but he figures to be nothing more than a security blanket while Manuel grows up.

People knew that Manuel had talent heading into the draft, but the Bills surprised a lot of people around the NFL when they took him as the #1 quarterback in 2013. He fits the new mould of NFL quarterbacks that took fantasy football by storm last season that can effectively run and pass the ball, but many feel as though he is not quite ready to start right away.

When it comes to the preseason, expect Kolb to win the job for Week 1. However, not only could Kolb lose his starting job due to not winning games, but he could also lose it to injuries. He has had a few setbacks in recent years, so staying on the field could be a struggle for him.

Manuel has the tools to be a solid player in the NFL, but it’s probably unfair to put him in the same tier of quarterbacks that have gone in the first round of the draft the previous two seasons. In a rebuilding year, Manuel will get the chance to get some reps in 2013 and hopefully be ready going forward.