First-round pick E.J. Manuel was able to get some reps in the with second-round wide receiver Robert Woods at One Bills Drive in Buffalo, where the two were together on the field for the first time since they were drafted. (photo: Dave Wilkinson, Flickr)
It wasn't the first time the two had gotten a chance to get chummy, however, as the pair was able to get the formalities out of the way while working out pre-draft for a now-divisional rival.
"We actually had the same visit at the Jets, so we were able to hang out pretty much the whole day or two days," Manuel told reporters. "It’s just crazy that we ended up on the same team, so instantly we texted each other and we were happy about it."
One reporter noted that the two showed some chemistry in the rookies' first organized workouts Friday, to which Manuel replied, "Definitely."
Both Manuel and Woods are very much contenders to make the team's Week 1 starting lineup, barring any injuries. Though seen as a front runner by many for the starting signal-caller spot, Manuel will still have to battle through two quarterbacks with far more pro experience — Tarvaris Jackson and Kevin Kolb — as well as fellow rookie Jeff Tuel.
Woods has a bit of an easier path to a starting spot in the depth chart after the exodus of Donald Jones and David Nelson, but he'll fight with four other rookie wideouts, along with 2012 second-round pick T.J. Graham, for a slot behind No. 1 receiver Stevie Johnson.
"Rob did a great job, always seemed to be open and ran great routes," Manuel said of the former Trojan. "You want to get the playmakers the ball and that’s what we did today."
