It's not about immediate success. Few fans, even homers, were expecting a playoff run. And many fans expected him to be ugly at times.
What it is about is instinctive abilities. For all his upsides, natural things -- things I don't know can be learned -- such as pocket presence, speed of decision making and instinctive ability to know how to take a hit, are sorely lacking. It's instantly recognizable.
If we don't draft a QB high in April, and Manuel fails -- which I think is a 60 percent chance -- then we will have TWO wasted years, not just one, not to mention yet another year of rebuilding under a new quarterback when we do draft one in two years.
Draft a quarterback in April already and give this team two options instead of crossing our fingers and praying. It just seems so obvious. End this cycle already and draft, draft, draft until we get a good one.
Just because you draft someone, it doesn't mean you don't give the other guy a chance. It's simple. Hold a competition. And let the best one win.