Jun 11, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel (3) quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) and quarterback Jeff Tuel (8) run a drill during mini-camp at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills shocked the world in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft when the team selected Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel with the No. 16 overall pick. Manuel is the big name, but it’s a crafty veteran named Kevin Kolb, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals who may have the inside track on the Bills starting job.

The notion of the veteran taking control of things while the rookie sits for a year and learns was further reinforced Monday when ESPN analyst John Clayton predicted on NFL 32 that Kolb would be the starter come Week 1 (via Rotoworld):

“It looks like it’s probably gonna end up being Kevin Kolb,” Clayton said. Clayton acknowledged the Bills are trying to pave the way for first-rounder E.J. Manuel, but their better early-season option may be the more stable veteran.

This is a story many fans have seen coming from a mile away. Manuel was projected as a bit of a project pick and it was truly a shock he was the first quarterback taken in the draft. Further fueling the speculation Manuel would sit to start the year was spurred when Kolb took the first snaps from under center at minicamp while Manuel watched from the sideline:

Kevin Kolb takes the first snaps under center at #Bills minicamp. EJ Manuel the next man through.

— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) June 11, 2013

Kolb may not sound like the most attractive option for Bills fans, especially those eager to see their flashy new rookie take the field. It is imperative to remember Kolb had the Cardinals off to a 4-0 start last year.. Kolb may have been backed by an elite defense but it’s an encouraging sign for the Bills’ prospects with him under center.

Manuel will certainly have his time in Buffalo, but it appears right now it’s up to Kolb to take the Bills into next season.

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