The lead-up to the NFL Draft is a time for the wrong people to get inside a player’s head. At least former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral knows he has Eli Manning in his corner.

Manning, an Ole Miss legend and the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, once found himself in Corral’s situation. Now, as the reigning All-SEC quarterback prepares to hear his name called later this month, he’s trying to soak in wisdom from a two-time Super Bowl champion who knows the pre-draft process all too well.

Matt Corral said he and Eli Manning have kept in touch throughout the pre-draft process

Given their shared background as Ole Miss quarterbacks, it makes sense that Corral and Manning would have connected at some point. In fact, as Corral recently told Rich Eisen, the two have kept in touch ahead of the upcoming draft.

During an April 5 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Corral said he wanted to pick Manning’s brain and has done exactly that in recent months. Which, seeing as the four-time Pro Bowler is one of only 12 quarterbacks to win two Super Bowl rings, sounds like an excellent idea.

So, what was the best advice Manning gave Corral? Does it involve how to handle the media, especially in the social media age? How about money? Manning earned over $252 million in the NFL and surely has some ideas on how best to manage money, right?

While we don’t know if those conversations have occurred, we do know which teachings Corral especially treasures ahead of the draft.

“He told me to just be myself, and that’s honestly the best advice I’ve ever gotten because you don’t really understand that until you’re towards the end of this process.”

Matt Corral

At least Manning didn’t provide advice on how to handle game-worn equipment. Too soon?

Luckily for Manning, the Giants might not need to worry about facing Corral too often

Corral is in an intriguing situation because he’s considered, at best, the No. 3 quarterback in what is widely considered a weak quarterback class. Liberty’s Malik Willis and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett are viewed as the draft’s top two quarterback prospects, and the external expectation is that whoever isn’t selected first will go second, before the likes of Corral or North Carolina’s Sam Howell.

So, where will Corral wind up? Luckily for Manning, the odds should be against the Ole Miss standout landing in the NFC East.

The Dallas Cowboys have no need for Corral, especially after Dak Prescott played at a stellar level last season. There is no reason to believe the Washington Commanders will use the 11th overall pick on a quarterback, although what they’ll do in the second round is another story entirely.

Then again, so long as the Snyder family has control in Washington, that franchise can’t be expected to ever apply logic.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to meet with Corral ahead of the draft. However, if the Eagles don’t stick with Jalen Hurts beyond this year, the safer play might be to explore the trade market next offseason. Why have two young quarterbacks on the roster if a player such as Derek Carr could potentially be available in March 2023?

Unfortunately for Manning, the Giants likely won’t have a shot at drafting Corral

Theoretically speaking, the Giants could take Corral in the upcoming draft. However, Big Blue has far too many holes on the roster to the point where even using a seventh-round pick on a quarterback would feel wasted.

Although new Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll didn’t draft Daniel Jones, both have made it clear they’re sticking with the incumbent starting quarterback in 2022. The Giants are also recovering from severe cap issues and poor management by the previous regime. The four-time Super Bowl champions are expected to use their two first-round picks to either address the offensive line, add a new pass-rusher, or potentially bring Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton into the fold.

Unfortunately for Manning, he almost certainly won’t get to see Corral in a Giants uniform…yet. Who knows what could happen in a few years? Maybe Corral will wind up in Seattle, spend a few years there, and become the Giants’ starting quarterback in 2027.

Well, we can likely assume one thing to be true. For as much as Manning seems to like Corral, the two-time Super Bowl champion will keep pulling for Big Blue, even if his fellow ex-Rebel is standing on the opposing sideline.

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