HOUSTON - And now comes the great leap to the NFL for Johnny Football.
Johnny Manziel, a Heisman Trophy winner and one of college football’s most entertaining players, looks to translate his improvisational game to the next level. But questions abound about the quarterback’s skills and hard-partying habits.
That’s why opinions vary on where he’ll end up on draft night. Many believe he should be picked early in the first round. Others, like former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski, don’t think he should be taken before the third round.
If teams are sold on him as a player, he may face obstacles from those reticent to deal with the circus-like atmosphere that seems to follow him everywhere.
It’s difficult at times to separate Manziel from his over-the-top Johnny Football persona and figure out exactly who this 21-year-old Texan is. Is he the beloved teammate who piled up almost 10,000 yards in two seasons and put the Aggies back on the football map? Or the petulant, swag-oozing figure who mocked Rice defenders by fake-signing autographs after he was suspended by the NCAA for an autograph offense and is a devout follower of rapper Drake?
The answer: probably a little of both.
But even some who question his character are still enamored of what he could bringto a team.
“As far as the face of the franchise, sometimes that’s not definable,” NFL Network lead draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “I look at Johnny Manziel, whatever it is, he has it.
“I know on Sunday … he’s going to show up with an edge about him, thinking he’s the best guy on the field and he’s going to elevate the play of those around him. (But) I also struggle with him a little bit with his off-the-field antics.”
Manziel’s recent pro day was more like a Hollywood production than an NFL workout. There was a soundtrack featuring Drake songs; a customized wardrobe from Nike;and former President George H.W. Bush, his wife Barbara and their two dogs watching from the sidelines.
He attended this year’s Final Four with Drake, and the rapper released the track “Draft Day” last month in which he mentions the quarterback by name.
“When you’re dealing with a high-profile position like the quarterback, obviously there’s some well-documented things to cover and to consider,” said Jon Gruden, the “Monday Night Football” analyst and former NFL coach. “Manziel brings a lot of excitement and interest to your organization. Maybe some people don’t want to be part of it. That will be up to them.”
NFL Draft WHERE Radio City Music Hall, New York TV ESPN, NFL Network ON THE CLOCK Texans MOST PICKS Jets, Rams (12) FEWEST PICKS Colts (5) SCHEDULE All times Central 1ST ROUND Thursday, 7 p.m.
2ND-3RD ROUNDS Friday, 6 p.m.
4TH-7TH ROUNDS Saturday, 11 a.m.
Sports, Pages 17 on 05/06/2014