Jaworski on NFL Live: I think when people begin to study Manziel's game, they'll find some real flaws in his game. I only watched 5 games to this point, so yes, it would be considered a small sample size. (Duke, Missouri, LSU, Mississippi State, & Alabama). There are a number of major concerns I have as I project Manziel to the NFL. Great college QB. Skill set, there is a way you have to play the position in the NFL at that level. I don't see it consistently enough with Manziel. The process of the NFL draft, the mosaic that it is, there will be some that love his game. There will be people that push Manziel up. The draft is a process. Every part of your game, character, upbringing is put under a microscope. My opinion may change. Clearly right now, he'll probably go in the first round but I won't make that pick. What is it that concerns you? Size? Not playing in structure? Maturity? I can't speak to maturity and character. I'm not around the guy. I'll leave that to those in interviews and those who know Manziel. I can only look at the tape. It's structure. There is no structure in Manziel's game. He's a terrific athlete who can make plays. That doesn't always translate to success in the NFL. The NFL is about dropping back, anticipating, throwing the ball with accuracy and consistency. Who does things consistently? His mechanics in the pocket are awkward. He doesn't drive the ball well. He doesn't come off that back foot and ?? his hips. He kinda pops up in the air, that forces the ball to lose energy at the end of his throws. He's a guy that is a one read player right now. One read and then get out of the pocket. Can he improve those things? Absolutely. Right now, I would have said stay in school, get the reps and practice. To me, he's a project.
But his worst were due to a busted up thumb on his throwing hand. He was having a hard time brushing his teeth before the LSU game. You don't think that affects his passing?
Thumb doesn't affect the amount of spin you can put on thumb, I have had thumb injuries as a qb, minimum affect on throwing. Bortles and Bridgewater have both been injured as well, no excuses for them
He didn't make the excuse, he was trying to hide it. All I'm saying is he was missing passes that he routinely makes in those games. So not being able to grip the ball has a minimal affect on your game? And before anyone points to him being injury prone because of his style of play, this was when he was in the pocket and hit his thumb on Mathews helmet in his follow through.
This is the same sort of thing Greg Cosell said a couple of months ago. NFL offenses are about structure, and Manziels game is very limited in structure. He also thinks he will struggle.
Good thing there are only 2 high caliber defenses in the SEC in LSU and Mizzu. I know he has to work on his pocket pressense, but his passing in both of those games were off.
“In the right system, with the right support, I really think he can be a success,” Gruden said. This quote says all, you can say this for 8-10 qbs in this draft. Thanks but no thanks
