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.
Chris Meister
Roar Guru
The piece is about Manziel and the top 2 picks are a possibility, if remote. Yes the Rams will rue forever the decision to trade the RG3 pick. All will be revealed next week. The beauty of all this is that its all opinion at this time of year and nobody knows what the clubs will do.
Darrell
Guest
You did say that the Rams are in need of a quarterback and traded up to get #2 though, which infers that they're after a QB that pick and have made an effort to get it. We both know that, in reality, RG3 is the gift that keeps on giving in St Louis. If you wanted to discuss the permutations in the early picks, you probably shouldn't have used Manziel's name to farm clicks. The fact is that only three of the teams in your article should have even been mentioned in the same breath as Manziel.
Chris Meister
Roar Guru
Thanks Joe. You make a great point about the publicity factor. Nobody thought Foles was going to be Chip Kelly's type of QB coming into the NFL, so who knows maybe O'Brien will change as well based on what he thinks is best for his team. They would be crazy to pass up on Clowney though. QB's are always keenly sought after so will go in the first round even if they don't necessarily warrant it
Chris Meister
Roar Guru
Thanks Darrel. I don't believe I said Manziel would go in the top 2, only that he was expected to go somewhere in the top 5. In my team by team look at the top 5 I then said the reasons why I thought the Texans and Rams wouldn't take him . I agree with you, Jacksonville is the likely destination. You never know what can happen on draft day and yes, Philly, Detroit and Denver are left field options. However Foles is far from proven, Manning is one injury and at best 2 years away from the end, and Stafford is heading towards becoming the next Tony Romo with an arsenal of receivers that are the envy of most. Spending 1-2 years as a back up is not the worst thing that could happen to anyone, did Aaron Rodgers well.
Joe
Guest
Jeff Fisher is a coach who prefers the traditional pocket QB as is new Texans coach Bill O'Brien I dont think either of those guys have any interest in Manziel. However the team owners are another story they want publicity & the media attention Manziel will bring None of the QBs in this draft are worthy of a top 20 selection IMO but you'll get your usual group of poorly run franchises (Browns Jags Raiders etc) who will make a dumbass decision & select a Manziel or Bortles with a top 5 pick & set the already bad franchise back even further
Darrell
Guest
Surely you jest when you say that he'll go in one of the first two picks. Houston would be more likely to take Bortles, but more likely again to trade down to Atlanta for Khalil Mack or perhaps Johnny Football or Bortles still there. St Louis will take Watkins if Clowney is gone, or trade down to Atlanta if not. Bradford will be ok with better protection - Lewan will probably still be there at #13 - and they have much bigger needs than replacing a solid but not outstanding former #1 pick. I understand that he's on big money and injury prone, but I still don't think they go for a QB in the first round. Jags will take him every day of the week and twice on draft day. They need to win the fans back and put bums on seats. They've probably already sent him the cap. Finally, why bother even mentioning Philly, Detroit, and Denver? All three have established QBs and this isn't the AFL where you draft to develop a guy. If you trade up in the first round (as all three would have to) then you are taking a day one starter. Philly and Detroit need help in the secondary, Denver on the OLine. None are trading up for a backup QB. Nor would Manziel be too interested in playing second fiddle.