NFL Draft 2014: Johnny Manziel

Strengths

• a true dual-threat, showcasing a smooth, gliding running style in the open field
• excels at understanding angles and setting up the defender with subtle, coordinated upper and lower body fakes
• Manziel is able to get rid of the ball with a defender bearing down on him because of his quicker than average throwing motion
•  Excels in the short and intermediate passing games; Consistently puts the ball on target and within his receiver’s catch radius
• A master of improvisation; Where most quarterbacks would fail, Manziel finds a way to make a play.  He has “it,” and brings a skill set that is beyond logical/traditional evaluation methods.
• Has very big hands and grips the ball well on the move
• Exceptional game-day competitor -- rises to the occasion. Has a passion for the game. Played on the biggest of stages and revels in having his back against the wall
• Reverse spins and buys time in the pocket while continuing to scan the field
• . Record-setting and award-winning two-year production
• Ball often comes out of his hand wobbly. Throws an inconsistent spiral.

Weaknesses 

•  Questionable decision-making and ability to read defenses. Forces passes and throws too many up for grabs in traffic.
•  Struggles to accurately drop the long ball in a bucket; 
• Relied heavily on Mike Evans’ rare length to bail him out at times
•  Too many negative plays, he has an inflated opinion of his play-making abilities
• Is too reckless with the ball. He needs to get the ball out quicker, even if it means throwing it away sometimes.
•  Has an unorthodox body type with marginal height, rounded shoulders, an underdeveloped body and very big feet that almost look clumsy. 
• Feels pocket ghosts and often takes off running at the second flash of coverage.
• Cannot see over the pocket easily and almost never steps up into it, creating extra difficulties for OL coaches to coordinate blocking schemes and for offensive linemen to anticipate where the pocket will be.
• Has not developed a reputation as a worker or for doing the extras.   

Draft projection: Manziel looks to be a top five pick. It's unlikely he will slip that far unless theres a major misstep before the draft.  

Best Case: Fran Tarkenton
Worst Case: Doug Flutie 

Overall: One of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory, Johnny Manziel will generate headlines wherever he lands at the next level. His most ardent supporters believe that he will take the NFL by storm, much like he did college football’s Southeastern Conference the past two seasons. Many, on the other hand, believe his reckless nature both on and off the field make him a less than ideal candidate to be an NFL franchise quarterback

Ultimately, if Johnny Manziel wants to succeed as an NFL quarterback, he will have to learn to be more consistent beating teams from the pocket.  He will have to become more consistent reading defenses, going through his progression, beating blitzes by hitting hot receivers, improve his accuracy from the pocket by setting his feet and stepping into his passes, and lastly after he does take off and run, slide to protect himself.  If he is able to do those things, he can have a ton of success in the NFL.

 


 

NFL Draft 2014: Blake Bortles Scouting Report

 

 Overview: AAC Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-AAC and semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award (given to nation's top quarterback). Joined Daunte Culpepper as only UCF quarterbacks to throw for 3,000 yards in multiple seasons. 2012: Second-team All-Conference USA pick and the first quarterback in Central Florida history to be named first- or second-team all-conference. 2011: Named to All-Conference USA Freshman Team after playing in 10 games. 2010: Redshirted.

 Strengths

       Size: Bortles is listed at 6’4” 230lbs and looks the part of the prototype quarterback.  He has a big, strong build that has him the same size as many linebacker.

Mobility: Bortles is surprisingly elusive in the pocket for his size and was able to pick up large chunks keeping off the zone read.

 Arm Strength: Bortles arm is above average, he can make all of the throws. He tends to throw with his arm as opposed to his legs. Despite showing inconsistent mechanics he’s able to throw the ball downfield with velocity because of his size and stature.   

Pocket Presence: Bortles rarely looks rattled in the pocket, he maneuvers in it, evading or shedding defenders in a way that is reminiscent of Big Ben.

Throws well on the run: Bortles has a knack for throwing on the move, his passes are more accurate and his mechanics are better when he’s moving. 

Mechanics: Inconsistent, there are times where he will stand tall pocket and deliver the ball on time. There are others where his footwork is bad, opening his hips too early. He also has a tendency to drop the ball too low before his delivery(Think Tebow but not that bad) His mechanics really break down in the face of pressure, almost always throws off his back foot when he feels on coming pressure. The factors above have a negative effect on his accuracy. 

Weaknesses

Inexperienced: Has only started two years and shows it in the nuances of the game

   

Anticipation: Blake is a see it and throw guy, it’s hard to be an efficient QB in the NFL if you not able to throw with anticipation.

    

 Ball security: Bortles is very good at making plays with his feet, however because he’s trying to make a play he has a tendency to expose the ball.

 

      Deep ball: Bortles frequently under throws open guys allowing defenders to catch up to receivers

 Best Case: Ben Roethlisberger

    

 Worst Case: Jake Locker/Josh Freeman

My take: I’m very high on Bortles ,he is raw but that can be worked on. I think his size and ability to move will allow him make a living in the NFL. Many times draft nicks like to focus on what a player can’t do but in Blake’s case what he can do and the potential of what he will do is great.  I think Brottles will have a solid career, with some of the flaws in his game he may hit a ceiling like Cutler or Stafford,but he’s still a guy you can attempt to build your franchise .