Expectations were at an all-time high for North Carolina State's standout linebacker Terrell Manning.

After an All-American type season with the Wolfpack, Manning was projected by many, including draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., as a third-round talent at inside linebacker.

Like all prospects, Terrell had high hopes for where he was going to be drafted. After putting up some solid combine numbers (4.7 speed, 22 reps on the bench), Manning thought he was solidified as second- or third-round pick.

However, as the first two days of the draft came and went, Manning remained on the board. He continued to slip on Day 3 as well, waiting out the entire fourth round and a good chunk of the fifth round.

This draft day free fall was finally put to rest, however, when the Green Bay Packers traded back into the fifth round to grab the talented linebacker.

While many other teams clearly didn't believe in Manning due to some injury concerns and lack of elite size (he's 230 pounds), the Packers grabbed a player who will contribute on defense as a rookie due to the outstanding versatility he has at the linebacker position.

At NC State, Manning was a jack of all trades who had a combination of skills that most college linebackers don't possess.

Last season as a junior, Manning was a dominant playmaker for the Wolfpack, as he racked up 76 tackles, six sacks, 15 tackles for loss and three interceptions in 13 games.

He showed quality explosion as a pass rusher (even playing some defensive end), is a tackling machine with good range in the run game and can drop back into coverage over the middle of the field and defend backs and tight ends.

In today's passing league, linebackers need to be able to do more than just be a thumper against the run, which makes Manning's multifaceted game extremely valuable.

There's a mighty large chip on this young man's shoulder after his draft day slide (he was quoted saying he thinks he's one of the best linebackers from this year's draft class), and I believe Manning's desire stick it to everyone that passed on him will quickly move this kid up the depth charts.

It's easy to love the attitude and ability Manning brings to the field, and that will be enough to win himself a starting role at inside linebacker over AJ Hawk at some point during the season.

I think D.J. Smith has a better chance of beating out A.J. Hawk than Terrell Manning.


Here's Hawk's contract numbers.
2012: $4.4 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus)
2013: $4.9 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus)
2014: $4.9 million (+ $800,000 roster bonus)
2015: $5.4 million (+ $800,000 roster bonus)
2016: Free Agent

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

DJ Smith is a thumper. He's good in run support. Manning is a guy who is tall and who can cover. We need a guy who can contribute to pass defense.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

Manning could provide a nice pass rush from the inside. He gives the Packers a lot more flexibility. Hawk's competition on first and second down is certainly Smith, for reasons you state. He's a thumper. However, Manning could get him off the field in passing situations ala Brandon Chiller.

Originally Posted by: porky88 

No way do I see him beating Hawk out. Mainly because he is known as being incosistent, so he will need time to learn and develop. His speed is also suspect, 4.89 at the Combine. Maybe that was slower than normal and/or maybe he'll get his speed back after fully healing from the knee surgery. Anyway, those two things put together don't bode well for starting as a rookie. In addition, he is said to not wrap up on tackles, but I believe that comes down to coaching and coachability. Tackling is not rocket science, it's willingness. Now I do like the pick, I think it was a great value pick and could see him being a factor his 2nd or 3rd year much like Bishop.

Originally Posted by: PackerTraxx