Drew Brees says Johnny Manziel can ‘absolutely’ be an NFL starter
By Jack Crosby
As the 2013 college football season quickly comes to a close down the stretch here, most think that it’s also the end of the collegiate career of the most polarizing figure in the game’s history, Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel.
As a redshirt sophomore, Manziel is eligible to enter the 2014 NFL Draft this upcoming April and that’s what most expect him to do.
But, as far as prospects at the next level go, some think he’ll make a fantastic pro, while others aren’t really so sure he’ll pan out all that much. He’s drawing the latter because of factors such as his size and the style of offense he plays in under Kevin Sumlin. Well, there’s also the character thing, too.
Fact of the matter is, though, like anyone else in the history of football, we won’t really know how he’ll fare until he steps on to an NFL field and actually plays.
He has, however, garnered a big bit of praise from a current NFL superstar, New Orleans Saints All-Pro and Super Bowl-winning QB, Drew Brees.
When asked about Manziel in a phone interview for Fox Sports, Brees had nothing but great things to say about Manziel, including calling him a starter at the professional level and also comparing him to Seattle Seahawks QB, Russell Wilson:
"“He is a heckuva player,” Brees told FOXSports.com in a telephone interview. “He’s fun to watch. He makes all kinds of plays."
"“He’s got all the playmaking ability to be a great player. [There are] guys like [Manziel] in this league. Russell Wilson and his ability to run the football and extend plays outside the pocket and throw the ball down the field. Intermediate [routes], I mean he can do it all.”"
"Most importantly, Brees thinks the third-year sophomore who most expect will declare for the NFL after this season has the most necessary of intangibles — the ability to take control of a huddle and lead an NFL offense. When asked if Manziel could be a starter at the next level, Brees put it simply: “Yeah, absolutely.”"