I don't see why anyone would think this is such a reach.
I also think we need to remind ourselves of what a guy like Casserly might have said about Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers after year one, compared to the upcoming crop of draft picks.
The NFL network is selling a product, and part of that product is the promise of something new and exciting for fans. The draft is the pinnacle of that. So, EJ Manuel's incomplete grade is not as exciting as a forecast slam dunk for a guy who hasn't played a down of NFL football. Hell, maybe Johnny Football meets his "rubber mat" and never plays a down. I'm not wishing for it at all, but there are precedents.
"We just don't know," or "we need more time" to see if a guy is good does not suit the narrative. It's far easier for people to be dismissive.
I think we also all need some reminding that being less than confident -- maybe 30% -- isn't being a hater. On the contrary, IMO, saying that we are sunk unless we draft a 1st round QB is a pretty thinly veiled hater statement...