Manziel serves notice to teams who pass him up in draft
Johnny Manziel undoubtedly is the most polarizing prospect in this year’s NFL draft. And there is certainly no shortage of rumors flying regarding where he will go in the Draft.
The Texas A&M quarterback is extremely talented, but his size and off-the-field lifestyle raise red flags for NFL teams that might think about picking him (hence the variety of opinions over landing spot). But one thing is for certain when it comes to the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner:
He sure is confident.
"I believe they will, personally," Manziel told ESPN Wednesday when asked if teams will regret passing on him once Roger Goodell begins calling out names on Thursday in New York.
"I know in my heart how good I want to be and how committed I am to this game."
Manziel harped on the fact that the partying that was a problem at A&M, as well as concerns that he cares more about fame than football, shouldn’t turn away teams.
"(Teams) have been getting to know me on a more personal level, and I've answered every question, anything they’ve wanted to hear from me — so there’s nothing for me to hide. I don’t think it’s wrong of me to enjoy my life and have fun. But throughout this whole process, I’ve continued to work hard and do that thing I need to do to become a better player."
Manziel has been linked to several teams, including the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders (holders of Picks 1 through 5), as well non-top-5 teams (most notably the Dallas Cowboys, who own the No. 16 pick). Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has since denied that the team will go for a first-round quarterback, but the others are very real possibilities.
Among the latest reports, the Denver Post reported Wednesday that Manziel most likely would go to the Jaguars. It also had been reported that Manziel wanted to avoid Jacksonville, not because of the team’s losing record in 2013, but rather because its status as the league’s smallest market would be bad for his fame. Manziel’s agent has denied that report.
MORE FROM NESN
Ranking the top 100 NFL draft prospects in order