Accountability for drafting Manuel and then sticking with him has been tricky for Whaley, described in the Bills' media guide as someone who "joined the Bills in 2010 and has played an integral role in all of the team's key personnel decisions."

But when it comes to transactions made when Buddy Nix was GM and Whaley was his assistant, there's been a propensity to give Whaley credit for the hits and Nix blame for the misses.

For instance, Nix remained Buffalo's GM through the 2013 draft. They selected Manuel on April 25. They traded for outside linebacker Jerry Hughes on April 29. Nix didn't resign until May 13.

Nix has been on the hook for Manuel, who started one season and displeased former coach Doug Marrone so much the Bills signed Kyle Orton off the street eight days before the 2014 season opener.

But at a 2013 Bills draft party for season-ticket holders, Whaley gushed about the Manuel selection. Whaley said Manuel had "that it factor," that Manuel was "a leader of men."

"Is he going to be successful? Only time will tell," Whaley added. "But we're going to bet on all those factors above anything else. We think we've got a gem in this guy.