MERGED: Dolphins Select Wright in 5th Round | Page 19 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

MERGED: Dolphins Select Wright in 5th Round

Nice writeup on Wright from last month. He has won five titles in the last fove years. Hmmm.....

http://usc.scout.com/2/378373.html

The rumors had been spreading for weeks that Manuel Wright would leave USC to declare for the NFL supplemental draft if he did not maintain his football eligibility and that is exactly what happened today as Wright held a press conference at Long Beach Poly HS to announce that he is declaring for the draft.

Wright, who was expected to be a first-year starter in 2005 after serving as a key reserve for the past two seasons, sat out spring ball in an effort to improve his academics to the point where he could remain eligible. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful and Manuel was left with the choice of remaining in school and trying to regain his eligibility (while not playing football) or leaving school and entering the supplemental draft.

He was generally considered among the top recruits in the country coming out of Long Beach Poly where he was a member of the so-called Fab Five that included future Trojan teammates Darnell Bing, Hershel Dennis and Winston Justice. Nobody questioned his physical ability as Manuel had a rare combination of size, strength and speed in his 6-6, 300 frame which allowed him to overpower many an opponent. In his senior year with the Jackrabbits he had 142 tackles (60 solo) and 16 sacks, he was also a three year starter who captured 3 CIF title rings.

Academic troubles surfaced early on, however, as Manuel did not qualify for admission to USC and he was forced to attend Long Beach City College for a year (he did not play football) before eventually arriving for the 2003 season. It was a rocky start in his first fall camp under Ed Orgeron and there were rumblings from longtime observers who wondered if Wright, who didn’t come to camp in great shape, would last under the relentless pressure from Coach O. Manny had an up and down first season with flashes of promising play to go along with periods of inconsistency. It had to be frustrating for a demanding coach like Orgeron but the temptation of working with an incredible athlete like Wright outweighed the problems that came with his mental lapses.

All told in his freshman season Manny had eight tackles and three pass deflections but it was a short stretch in the Rose Bowl where he had a sack and a pass deflection which symbolized his potential. For Trojan fans it was a glimpse into the future and a safety net to know that the defensive tackle spot was going to be in good hands once Cody was gone. In his sophomore year Manny showed progress by coming to camp in better shape and giving an increased effort in drills. The harder work paid off early in the year with a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Colorado State (he also had a team high six tackles in that game). Manuel ended up starting two games (BYU and Arizona) when Cody moved to end and for the season Wright had 23 tackles, including six for losses, to go along with two sacks. None of those sacks were bigger than the one on second down of the final drive against Cal. He played the second half of the year with a sprained elbow and was named honorable mention All Pac-10. An ankle injury at the end of the season left his participation in doubt for the Orange Bowl but, as we all know, he had three tackles (2.5 for loss) and played inspired football that night as he won his 2nd national title ring in two years at USC.

That’s five rings in his last five football seasons for Manuel but his career as a USC Trojan is now over as he moves on and leaves a deeper hole in the middle of a Trojan defensive line already missing the presence of Cody and Patterson.
 
He's got the skill and was certainly worth taking a flyer on. Wright has said all the right things and has been enthusiastic about the idea of coming to Miami even before the draft. He comes across as a good guy with a desire to prove people wrong. We'll have to see if it translates into production but it's certainly promising.

"I'm glad to have been picked by the Dolphins and I'm looking forward to starting my professional career in Miami," Wright said. "I appreciate the confidence they showed by taking me."

Welcome and best of luck in Miami, Manny!
 
I haven't watched this thread too closely, so I don't know if this has been posted, but I thought I'd pass this on if it hasn't already.

A bit of a scouting report on Wright...

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/suppdraft.html

Strengths:
Has great size and the frame to get even bigger...Is very athletic for a guy his dimensions...Has the measurables scouts dream about...Quick and has the type of rare burst you look for in an impact interior lineman...Can penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Was productive in his limited opportunities...Hasn't even begun to reach his full potential and has a very high upside.

Weaknesses:
Has battled weight problems throughout his college career...Has never been a starter, although he did play behind two guys who were drafted high in the NFL...Is very immature and his desire and motivation have to be seriously questioned...Is very inconsistent and doesn't always give 100%...Still has a lot to learn from a technique standpoint...Lacks strength and only did 16 reps of 225 lbs. on the bench press...Did not qualify right away out of high school (spent time at a JUCO) and then flunked out of school as a junior so you have to wonder about how well he will pick up a complicated defensive scheme.
 
Losman7 said:
Tim Anderson was a 3 year starter at OSU, helped lead them to a national championship.
Click to expand...

Actually, Terry Porter did that. But that's a story for another time. :yell:

But what really amazes me is how a fan of another team (no, not you Losman) can have 12,000 posts on a rival board. Just pathetic! That speaks a great deal of the character or lack thereof that this person is made. Just sad!

Welcome Manuel! Now get off your a$$ and start lifting...or else! :)
 
#35
badfoot
nonpredictor




Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: ohio
Posts: 496 Why bother even asking justa anything ...we are all homers here as fin fans should be and he is just a little bills fan looking for attention ... you guys need to learn to let him run his keyboard till he gets tired and goes back to where he BELONGS lol...If you are really that concerned about his opinions then perhaps go to his board and flood it with useless comments about his team so he can have something to show his kids when they get older .. im sure they will be proud of his tremendous insight and thought provoking comments...HAR!
__________________
I dont feel no friggin draft!
 
[QUOTE='Phins & 'Canes]Actually, Terry Porter did that. But that's a story for another time. :yell: [/QUOTE]

Can't handle big ten football huh? :evil:
 
Hey, I'll admit, we didn't really play well. But despite five turnovers, we came back and won in OT 24-17.

But hey, sometimes the human element gets in the way and what's supposed to happen just doesn't. Oh well!
 
Its in the other thread about the mixup regarding which pick we used but the assumption now is that where the article read the Dolphins used "their" second pick in the fifth round, it should have read the Dolphins used "the" second pick in the fifth round. Probable typo in the heat of reporting. Understandable
 
Im a bit late on this, cuz I had to work all day, but HELL YES! I am very happy with this pick. Saban with an amazing draft and then this. I wish the Orlando Magic could draft half as well.
 
For a fifth rounder, I say this is a good move. If motivation is what he lacks, then hopefully the coaches can get his work ethic up to par. I odn't think there is any question about his potential and abilities. I was willing to give up a fourth rounder but only giving up the lesser of two fifths is even better.

Kudos to the staff.
 
I like this pick. Getting Wright in the Supplemental Draft for a 5th rounder is a steal. Currently he is a project, but with Saban coaching him he could be a really good DT for us in the upcoming years. Also, we are using a 2006 5th round pick on him, so basicly we have a free year with him. It will give him a good extra year before next year's prospects to get accustomed to the NFL life style. I am happy.
 
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