According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel will enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
To be clear, Manziel has officially submitted declaration papers to #NFL for inclusing in 2014 draft, part of record 80 underclassmen.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) January 8, 2014
The polarizing QB, Manziel finishes quite an impressive college career where he won the Heisman Trophy, beat Alabama in 2012 while almost doing it again by himself this past season. But as he leaves College Station, there’s plenty of question surrounding Manziel’s jump to the NFL.
Early speculation surrounding Manziel and his draft prospectus put him as a top ten draft pick heading into the Spring. Obviously there’s a lot that can change between now and then but the talent surrounding Manziel is still undeniable. There still seems to be a mobile QB trend throughout the NFL which is going to get many team executives salivating over the thought of having Johnny Football part of their offense. And despite his small stature for an NFL QB (5’11” and 210 pounds), Seattle’s Russell Wilson – who Manziel compares to physically – has shown you can do just fine if you have the talent.
The downside to Manziel could point to his mechanics as he often times throws off his back foot and the running style he’s developed may not transition all that great to the League. Again considering his size.
What’s even more worrisome about Manziel though is the off the field antics and immaturity.
It may have to be the perfect situation for Manziel to succeed in the NFL because of the off the field stuff. Big market teams may find a problem having it workout with Manziel while the smaller market teams could find themselves with a franchise QB.
Either way though, Manziel is probably a top 10 pick come May and may not make it out of the top 5.