JOHNNY ON THE SPOT: From A College Football Phenom to a NFL Draft Prospect

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel accounted for 562 yards of total offense in a loss to Alabama. -- John W. McDonough/SI

 

From the first day Johnny Manziel stepped foot in College Station, you knew there was something special about this freshman.  In fact, when you earn the nickname “Johnny Football” it’s something that’s great about you.  On one of the biggest days of the young quarterback’s career, he assured that his name and the talent he possessed would live up to everyone’s expectations.  With a former president, eight head coaches, and over fifty representatives from thirty NFL teams all present, Manziel proved that their visit to Texas A&M was worth every minute.

Johnny Manziel worked out in front of representatives from 30 of the NFL’s 32 teams.

(Patric Schneider/AP)

Manziel, the same kid who was arrested before playing a game at the original “12th man” Kyle Field, having fake licenses, getting thrown out of parties at the University of Texas fraternities, and not to mention the accusations of signing autographs for money, has progressed so much on his road to the NFL Draft.  On his NFL pro day, Johnny Manziel started by welcoming everyone for coming out and showing appreciation for their interest in him. Unlike other scouts, Manziel did something that was unusual. Instead of showing his talents in a shirt and shorts, he suited up with a helmet and shoulder pads.  You have to admit the all black helmet and shoulder pads along with camouflage shorts and long white socks would have impressed Ralph Lauren.  Manziel looked like a poised young man with swag and a demeanor that’s larger than life.  From the first snap he made to the first pass he threw, it was a masterpiece.

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel threw for NFL scouts and coaches at his Pro Day Thursday, March 27, 2014. (Eagle Photo/ Stuart Villanueva)

Quarterback coaching legend George Whitfield worked with Manziel the majority of his collegiate career and worked hard to  prepare  him for his pro day for the last few months and was satisfied with his student.  Manziel only threw a few passes that weren’t catchable; however,  you could tell the improvement Manziel made from just being known as a mobile quarterback to a determined dual threat and this was notably on display that day.  His accuracy and the precision of his passes is why Skip Bayless and other decorated columnist rave on why he should be the number one overall pick to the Houston Texans in May.  In the words of an old Dave Chappelle skit, Manziel was "cold blooded."  His footwork and preparation for this event was well rehearsed and you could see the development from the student athlete who took the nation by storm in 2012.  ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, who criticized his intangibles for weeks prior to his Pro Day was even impressed with his performance.  A mixture of Fran Tarkentun, Steve Young, and Michael Vick all in one package showed the circus of his pro day that the ring master was in full effect.

December 8, 2012 · photo by Rusty Burson, 12th Man Magazine

In 2012, Manziel was then the first freshman to win the decorated Heisman Trophy and received yet another invite last season.   In two years, Manziel broke multiple Texas A & M school records as well as NCAA and SEC records, which is simply astounding.  His stature just at 5"11 and 207 pounds would make some scouts re-consider the young phenom as well as his off the field issues.  The infamy of celebrities that range from Drake to LeBron James may take some of the "football" out of Johnny.  Those are the main concerns general managers and coaches have against taking Manziel.  The Houston Texans, who traded Matt Schaub and has the number one overall pick in this year's draft, could use a quarterback.  Blake Bortles out of South Florida and Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville are also in the conversation for teams in the Top 10 to take in May’s NFL Draft.  Atlanta and Detroit are the only two teams in the top 10 could who isn’t looking to take a quarterback.

Manziel, the Texas born star could either end up in Lone Star state and play for the Houston Texans, go elsewhere in the Top 10, or possibly fall out of  the first round similar to Geno Smith last year's draft.  One thing that can’t be denied is the kid is a game-changer at the quarterback position. Manziel has similarities to two notable and successful quarterbacks in the NFL over the last 20 years. Brett Favre was a gun slinger; and after two trips to the Super Bowl, one Super Bowl title and multiple NFL records broken, he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer soon as he’s eligible. Drew Brees, who’s also small in stature; however, his heart and will to win has ushered him into one of the best quarterbacks in the league today and eventually will go down as  one of the most prolific guys to play the position.  Johnny Manziel is only 21 years old and has the time and room to mature, but the time is now if he wants his results to transfer from Saturday afternoon and evenings  to the pro football Sundays or maybe even primetime Monday night contests. .  No, Manziel is not the fastest quarterback in the draft, but his speed is undeniably deceptive.  He’s far from the tallest; however, he can stand up to the challenge in the biggest moments. He’s not built like Andrew Luck; however, he’s more durable than Michael Vick.  Manziel, who wore the infamous #2 jersey at A&M could possibly be the first player selected and would result in a big pay day for an already wealthy Manziel family.  Johnny Manziel was the “kid” of the Aggies for two seasons but now, it’s time to see if he can be the “man” for a NFL franchise for years to come.  Bring on the money signs baby!!!!