NFL Draft Profile: Tashawn Manning, Offensive Lineman, Kentucky Wildcats
In this story:
#79
Pos: iOL
Ht: 6032
Wt: 327
Hand: 0968
Arm: 3448
Wing: 8248
40: 5.34
DOB: 5/23/1998
Hometown: Apopka, FL
High School: Wekiva
Eligibility: 2023
Tashawn Manning
Kentucky Wildcats
One-Liner:
Wide, raw, athletically limited guard but plays against some of the best competition on a weekly basis.
Evaluation:
Wide, raw, athletically limited guard but plays against some of the best competition on a weekly basis.
Evaluation:
A large and wide-bodied guard who can take on the bigger nose tackles, there are fewer prospects tougher or stronger than Manning, a cancer survivor. He excels in run blocking due to his big, heavy hands and ability to stay locked out when driving defenders. Manning demonstrates above-average first-step quickness out of his stance when pulling but does carry some athletic limitations. His eyes are always looking for work in pass protection and he demonstrates consistent hand placement. Manning possesses prototype size but he lacks length and quickness after the first step while struggling at times to latch onto second-level defenders. He’ll need to continue to work on his anchor and flexibility in the passing game. Despite some shortcomings, Manning has built a noteworthy resume, matching up against top-level competition on a weekly basis. He has shown enough glimpses of potential that there will be NFL teams who want to tap into his upside.
Grade:
7th Round
Quotes:
The one thing I’ll look back on through the ups and downs is always trying to keep a positive outlook on life. Whatever I did on and off the field, I just tried to enjoy the experience while I was in the moment because you don’t get these moments back. From play to play, day to day, I just tried to take everything in and just tried to make the most of it every day.” – Tashawn Manning.
Background:
Nickname is “Boogie.” Started all 12 games at guard in 2022 at Kentucky; started 14 of 30 games at Auburn. Lost his starting left guard job during his final year at Auburn and decided to transfer to Kentucky for his final season of eligibility. Originally recruited as a defensive tackle but the start of his collegiate career was delayed due to being diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia; he would undergo eight months of chemotherapy treatment—Manning redshirted in 2017 and appeared in one game for the 2018 season. An All-conference defender for Coach Kenard Lang at Wekiva High; also threw the shot put and discus. Son of Nakia and Curtis Manning; mother played basketball and father played football at Marshall, has one sister, Eboni. Holds College of Liberal Arts degree; was working on a second degree in the College of Business. Other than playing in the NFL, his dream job is to own an urban big man clothing store. First name pronounced: TAY-shawn.
