Manziel Files For NFL Draft
{fshare id=4702}
Johnny Manziel is ready to make the jump from Texas A&M to the NFL.
“After long discussions with my family, friends, teammates, and coaches, I have decided to make myself available for the 2014 NFL Draft,” Manziel said in an open letter to Texas A&M fans. “The decision was not an easy one. Anyone who has ever watched a football game at Kyle Field knows that leaving that atmosphere, those Saturdays with excitement, color and noise, will be hard for me. I cannot begin to tell you what the support of the school, my teammates, coach (Kevin) Sumlin, Chancellor (John) Sharp and the fans has meant to me over the last two years. The Heisman Trophy belongs as much to you as it does to me. My teammates and I never doubted the value or the deep and real spirit of The 12th Man. It is not a myth. Anyone one has ever played football for Texas A&M knows that passion is real.”
Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Manziel filed paperwork to officially enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Texas A&M redshirt sophomore, the No. 2 quarterback in the NFLDraftScout.com rankings and 17th overall, said Monday during an appearance on the BCS national championship telecast he was making his final decision with his family.
The next day, he reportedly aligned with LeBron James’ marketing reps, SSG and
ringleader Maverick Carter.
Manziel was only a two-year starter, but a prolific one to be sure. He was nine yards shy of becoming the first sophomore to total 10,000 yards from scrimmage.
Manziel promises to be one of the most polarizing prospects leading up to the May draft. While he has dazzled with his playmaking ability in college, questions remain about his arm strength and whether he possesses the leadership qualities to become the face of an NFL franchise following a tumultuous offseason after winning the Heisman.
Beyond answering questions related to his character and commitment to the team, Manziel’s pro evaluation will put his pure passing ability and the impact of his modest frame and reckless, Favre-ian playing style under the microscope. Scouts told NFLDraftScout.com that Manziel’s height concerns could be minimized by his relatively large hands (enhancing ball security and the spin he can put on the ball) and small-space agility to bounce into clean throwing windows to deliver the ball on time.
For all the questions about Manziel’s antics away from the game and any belief he is the entitled type unwilling to fully dedicate himself to NFL greatness, there is no doubt about Manziel’s competitive edge. He fired back directly at critics on Twitter during his summertime string of sidetrips and signatures that made headlines and drew a suspension for the first half of the season opener. And his fire on the field needs no explanation. Coach Kevin Sumlin called him a one-of-a-kind leader, and teammates at A&M were, at least publicly, unanimously in Manziel’s corner.
He racked up 7,820 yards and 63 TD passes and 2,169 yards and 30 touchdowns rushing. In the Aggies’ first season in the SEC, Manziel erupted onto the scene with an upset win over No. 1 Alabama, won the Heisman and set the single-season record for total offense (5,116 yards).
