NFL Draft Rumors: Johnny Manziel To Texans With 1st Pick

Johnny Manziel is a hot topic when it comes to the upcoming NFL Draft. The polarizing Texas A&M star is amongst a class of good, but not over-the-top great quarterbacks available for quarterback hungry teams. But according to the Houston Chronicle‘s John McClain, Manziel could be off the board as soon as the number one pick is announced at the NFL Draft in two weeks.

In a recent blog post McClain mentioned that Johnny Football “spent the day at Reliant Stadium and went to dinner with coach Bill O’Brien, quarterbacks coach George Godsey and the offensive assistants” in advance of the NFL Draft. And McClain offered his assessment on Manziel’s chances of landing with his hometown team:

“The most polarizing prospect in the draft could go anywhere from first to fifth in the first round. Lacks ideal size, and most scouts believe his style of play will lead to injuries. There’s no denying his talent, instincts, leadership or competitiveness.”

ESPN.com meanwhile, published a report that suggested the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering drafting Manziel with the number seven overall pick in the NFL Draft:

“Johnny Manziel is on the short list of players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering with their first-round pick in next month’s NFL draft, a league source told ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure. Manziel is one of at least four quarterbacks the Bucs have hosted for pre-draft visits. The source did not disclose how short the team’s list is for its first pick.”

Though the Bucs recently signed journeyman Josh McCown to their roster and have promising rookie Mike Glennon returning as well, they recently changed coaches and brought in a new front office, making the possibility of a Johnny Football to Tampa Bay a possibility. That is, if he makes it past the Browns at number four who are also desperate for quarterbacks after cutting both Brandon Whedon and Jason Campbell.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots, according to the Inquistr, will be on the list of teams looking to draft a quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft. Though Manziel doesn’t fit the typical Bill Belichick mold, their need at quarterback is apparent. With Tom Brady aging and their backup Ryan Mallet garnering interest from several teams when his rookie contract expires, it might behoove Belichick to at least consider Manziel should he fall out of the first round.

Wherever Johnny Manziel ends up when the NFL Draft gets underway in two weeks, one thing is for sure: the polarizing quarterback will definitely make headlines when he’s drafted.