Draft Rewind 2014: Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about JOHNNY MANZIEL: Texas A&M, 5116 207 4.66. Declared sophomore. Two-year starter. There are several cardinal rules and critical factors that go into a quarterback’s evaluation. The quality of competition is high on the list. The SEC gave Manziel a peek through the window of speed and athleticism of the NFL. His pattern of success was second to none with his record-breaking productivity the past two years. His decision making and accuracy was consistent. Can it improve? Absolutely. He is a performer, not a potential guy. Future NFL quarterbacks must have some mobility because they now gain yards as the check down option on a play. He is more of a scrambler than a runner when the play breaks down. He sees the field and understands what he is seeing. Does a good job of throwing the ball through open lanes of the defense. He’s an athlete who loves to play quarterback and his teammates respect his leadership. Quarterbacks under 6-feet tall historically are not the rule, but the exception to the rule. Manziel is not Drew Brees or Russell Wilson, he may be closer to a right-handed Steve Young. These quarterbacks were mature beyond their years coming out of college. Only time will tell if Manziel follows their lead. Has innate running and passing instincts as well as a feel for the pass rush. He completed 73% of his passes from the pocket, best among quarterbacks from BCS automatic qualifier conferences. Only one first round quarterback had a better down the field throwing percentage than Manziels, 48% of passes 25 yards or longer in the past three years – that was Robert Griffin III. Despite his lack of height, he only had 12 of 864 passes batted down. Excels when he’s in a passing rhythm from the pocket. Coaches must accept the fact that extemporaneous plays are part of his game. Has good body control but can complete awkward body position throws. Has a knack to get the ball out on time. Has the touch and feel to throw a ball down the chimney to a receiver. The undeniable facts are that “Johnny Football” is a playmaker, winner, highly competitive, and exciting player. Ball clubs must weigh the risk versus reward in regards to durability. Every time a back takes a hit, it is like being in a car wreck without a seatbelt. The law of physics persists – in crashes, big cars win. Needs work on general fundamentals of quarterback play including sliding when ending a scramble. 2013 stats: 300/429, 4114 passing yds, 69.9%, 37 TD, 13 INT. Did not throw at Combine. OSR:3/18. First round. (A-31 3/8, H-9 7/8, SS-4.03, VJ-31.5).