The overwhelming consensus: Manning may have the more recognizable name, but Leaf clearly is the preferred quarterback among league executives. Fourteen of the 20 polled said they would draft Leaf over Manning, citing the Washington State quarterback's stronger arm, better mobility and more promising long-term prospect as a franchise-caliber player.

"I'd take Ryan Leaf," Buffalo Bills general manager John Butler said. "I like the big, physical aspects about him. He's got good mobility, and there's something about him, kind of tough to say just what, just something that you like in a quarterback. They're both talented players, but I give the edge to Leaf."

Giants coach Jim Fassel, a former college quarterback, prefers Manning, largely because the Tennessee quarterback and son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning is a more polished player at this point.