Johnny Manziel, also known as “Johnny Football”, is a polarising figure within the American football fraternity.
His participation in the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days and team visits have his destination through the upcoming NFL Draft as the source of much discussion.
The Heismann Trophy-winning quarterback from Texas A&M is short for his position at just under six feet tall. He is incredibly quick over a short distance and difficult to tackle, making him a double threat by arm or leg.
Manziel is in the same mould as Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson’s performance in the playoffs just might make Manziel hotter property come draft time.
Where will he end up plying his trade come training camp and beyond? That’s the $64 million question. There are plenty of options.
A look at the top five picks in the NFL draft will give us a big idea, with Manziel expected to go somewhere in the top five.
1. Houston Texans
The Texans were a trainwreck at quarterback last season with Matt Schaub and Case Keenum both being benched for each other at certain stages.
The word on the street though is they will use this pick to pick up defensive back Jadeveon Clowney and create a feared defence alongside J.J Watt. Schaub is out of the picture now having been traded to Oakland.
Manziel is also a Texan native and wants to play for the Texans.
2. St Louis Rams
The Rams are also in need of a quarterback and have traded up to get this pick, however they are expected to use this pick to bolster their offensive line instead.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
A real possibility for Manziel. They are in dire need of a quarterback after the failures of Blaine Gabbert, despite Chad Henne leading them to a 4-4 record down the stretch after they started 0-8.
The Jags described Manziel as “impressive” after meeting him at the NFL Combine. In a small market, someone with the profile of Manziel could be a commercial gift.
4. Cleveland Browns
Was mooted as a real possibility prior to the removal of Michael Lombardi as general manager.
They could be more likely to go for fellow quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should he still be available at this pick.
5. Oakland Raiders
Another team with a dire need at quarterback.
Some, including former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, think that the team is not the right pick for Johnny Football. But if he is available at that pick they it may be a risk they are willing to take. The recent acquiring of Schaub may change this picture for the Raiders though.
There are other options, however these teams would obviously need to trade their way into the top five, as the Washington Redskins did three years ago to get Robert Griffin III.
Think of teams that have a good quarterback, that they may not be sure about, or who may be coming to the end of a career. What better way to bring a brash young talent into a system than to let him learn his craft as a back-up for a few years.
Such teams could include the Cincinnati Bengals, the Philadelphia Eagles or the Detroit Lions.
And don’t forget the team that lost the Superbowl this year, the Denver Broncos.
Wherever Johnny Football lands, it’s going to be a show and one of the most watched and talked about aspects of the 2014 NFL season.
All will be revealed on May 9.
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