NFL Draft Rumors: Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer grilled Johnny Manziel on his maturity
By Jack Crosby
Despite calling his Pro Day a sideshow, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer seems very interested with the prospect of drafting Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel. During and after the Pro Day, Zimmer spent a significant amount of time with Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin, and now we find out that he took Manziel out to dinner during his visit.
And as you would expect from the no-nonsense Zimmer, he revealed the brunt of the conversation was about the maturity issues people think Manziel carries along with him.
"“We asked him all kinds of questions. We went to dinner with him the night after (his pro day). We talked to him at the combine. There are some flags that come up,” Zimmer told 104.9 The Horn, according to a transcription at 247sports.com. “All of the things that happened out in Los Angeles, the commercials and all that stuff. The position of quarterback in the NFL is such an important position and the reason these guys need to be a totally football-minded guy is the pressure of the position and being the face of an NFL team and doing everything right."
All-in-all, Zimmer just wants to know whether or not he would be choosing a leader if he drafts Manziel.
"“That’s the thing you want to know about him: Will he be into work early every single day? Will be the last to leave? Will he be the guy that is working the hardest to get better?”"
The Vikings currently sit with the eighth overall pick, so there is a very real possibility that Manziel will land in their lap, or in a dire case, they could trade up if they want him that badly.
It all comes down, though, to what Zimmer decides is best for the progression of his football team.