QB Johnny Manziel, rSo, Texas A&M

Measurables: 6’1” 210 lbs    

Strengths:

• Incredible two year production, won the Heisman as a redshirt Freshman and has had a great second year.
• Has succeeded in the toughest conference in college football and plays well even in losses.
• Great dual threat ability, extremely dangerous when running with the football.
• Has a knack for making clutch and amazing plays.
• Incredible escapability, extremely tough to sack.
• Has spent considerable time working with noted QB coach George Whitfield
• Has a good arm that is more than capable of making any throw asked of him.
• Has done a better job reading defenses this season and progressing through his reads
• Can show nice accuracy and touch even when on the run

Weaknesses:

• Smaller quarterback, may be under 6’0” when he gets measured at the combine
• Too often he forces throws and believes he’s invincible, will struggle some if he doesn’t correct that against NFL caliber defenses.
• Takes a lot of hits, Manziel needs to do a better job of protecting himself, both in the pocket and when on the run.
• Mechanics are sloppy, and he will throw off balance and across his body at times
• Maturity is a big issue, has had plenty of issues at Texas A&M
• Struggled with the Heisman spotlight, could struggle going to an NFL team with the pressure and media attention.
• Been in a spread option attack, not a strong fit for a traditional offense

Analysis:

Manziel is a lightning rod of a prospect. Those who love him point to his incredible numbers and athletic ability, while those who question him point to his size, attitude and risky decision making. Manziel’s NFL prospects are somewhere in between, but they probably tend to fall closer to the people who love him category.

Despite his lack of size, Manziel has big hands, which allows him to still have a lot of ball control. Russell Wilson is similarly short, but with big hands. The attitude issue is serious because he has to be ready to be a leader at a much more high pressure situation. Many an NFL career has failed due to a player not being able to cut it under those circumstances. Though it’s a concern, Manziel has proven time and again that those issues won’t impact him. Despite all the pressure off the field this offseason, Manziel has looked great this season.

He’s a bit riskier than your typical top quarterback prospect, but he keeps coming up clutch for the Aggies making it tough to discount him. He likely won’t be the first quarterback selected, but he’s a first round pick and should be among the top 15 selections.