Johnny Manziel – Is he ready for the NFL?
By: Alex LaGrone
Johnny Manziel, was selected with the 22nd overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL draft is expected to challenge Brian Hoyer for the starting quarterback job. Manziel is one of the most talked about, scrutinized, and controversial players coming into the NFL since Tim Tebow.Manziel (also known as Johnny Football) brings a lot of baggage with him to Cleveland.
Many thought Manziel would be the first player taken in the draft (including himself) but had to wait later until the Browns finally selected him. Manziel's style of play as a quarterback is to run the ball first, but in the pro's to be a successful QB he'll need to learn how to read defenses and become more of a pocket passer.
If you step into the laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein, he would create a QB with the brain of a Peyton Manning, the body of a Cam Newton and the arm of an Aaron Rodgers. This would be the perfect pro-style quarterback.
There is no shortage of opinions on both sides of the fence regarding Manziel's potential, but few if any are sitting on it. ESPNs' Merril Hode, who doubts Manziel stated "he has an instinct to run and that's not good in the NFL, and that's a big risk. I see bust written all over him".
Hodge may have a good point; due to the fact that the QB's who like to run seem to get hurt and miss plenty of playing time. Just ask Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick for starters.Quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton are making changes in their game by not choosing to run as much. Can Manziel do the same?
While playing college football for the Texas A&M Aggies, Manziel won the Heisman trophy and had plenty of success on the playing field. He also drew plenty of attention off the field as well. Johnny Football has had his run-ins with the law and never met a party he didn't like.
Professional football is a business, this is the player’s livelihood. So far, Manziel is still a man about town, burning the candle at both ends. His attitude seems to be he's the best thing since sliced bread. Playing in the NFL is a different ball game. Johnny Trouble, I mean Johnny Football need to spend more time studying the playbook, working out and watching more film to learn how to read different defenses so he can maximize his talent, or he will just be another Tim Tebow. Another flash in the pan.
