Johnny Manziel undoubtedly is the most polarizing prospect in this year’s NFL 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.
But the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner believes any team that needs a quarterback would regret passing on him.
“I believe they will, personally,” Manziel said Wednesday, via ESPN. “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,” Manziel said. “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 the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys, who own the Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 16 picks respectively. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has since denied that the team will go for a first-round quarterback, but the others are very real possibilities.
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.
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