Eli v. Peyton: College Careers

[memphisskin]

I feel uniquely qualified to answer, being a huge Tennessee fan and having watched a few of Eli's college games.

1st, on Peyton. He was labeled as can't miss as much for his work ethic, desire, pedigree and intelligence. Athletically, Ryan Leaf probably had the stronger arm and at Tennessee Peyton threw a lot of short stuff. He was surrounded by a lot of talent, the team won the national title the year after he left, but he was clearly the best player on the team. Not winning the big one was kind of unfair, Fulmer routinely got outcoached by Spurrier so it was as much coaching as anything.

2nd, I wouldn't make too much of Eli struggling in mini-camp. He played in the SEC against solid competition. The level of talent surrounding him was not that good, yet Eli still was successful. I saw him play once in person and while he didn't look like the #1 overall pick, he made a few throws that really opened your eyes. I think he's the real deal, in a few years the NFC East is going to be a bear with Manning, Henson, Ramsey and McNabb.