Draft Profile Series: Johnny Manziel
- Updated: April 25, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Johnny Manziel, QB, 6-0, 207, Texas A&M
Key stats:
Strengths: Improvisational and strong-willed quarterback. … Really competes and hates losing a play. … Has better arm strength than he gets credit for. … Has great touch, especially on deep ball. … Throws well on the run. … Obviously has tremendous feet and quickness, allowing him to extend plays to either throw, or run for yardage. … Is a leader on the field and has come up big in late-game situations.
Weaknesses: Is short for the position and doesn’t have a high release point. … Tends to release the ball around the top of his helmet which could lead to several batted balls. … Isn’t thickly built and his style of play will lead to taking some hits. … Is not a rhythm thrower. … Needs to improve on stepping up into the pocket and releasing passes on time. Has shown some immaturity, and I wonder if he can handle the criticism that comes with the NFL grind?
Conclusion: Manziel is a different breed of quarterback. 10 years ago, I wouldn’t give him much of a chance at succeeding in this league … but with many offenses spreading it out, he could enjoy some success. … Manziel is not a fit in a regular pro-style offense that requires quick reads. … To succeed, Manziel will need to be drafted by a coach who can deal with erratic play early in his career. … Going to a defensive-minded coach, who can get him to take care of the ball and just make a few timely big plays, instead of trying to win the game by himself, will help Manziel early in his career. … Whether Manziel can tone down his style of play, is what will determine his success or failure. … Come draft day, I think he will be drafted earlier than he should, because a few teams will fall in love with his potential. … Manziel has a low floor and a high ceiling, so he is a definite boom-or-bust prospect.
NFL comparison: Doug Flutie/Steve Young.
Draft projection: First round.
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