No Stock Placed In Johnny’s Pro Day
March 27th, 2014
Updated 10:18 a.m. – NFL Network and the NFL world are thoroughly dialed in to the Pro Day of Johnny Football, 11:30 a.m. today at Texas A&M.
Hell, even a former leader of the free world and a head of state are attending. But don’t expect Joe to care.
Regular readers here know Joe would dive head first at the chance to draft Johnny Football or Teddy Bridgewater in May. The Bucs need to seize an opportunity at quarterback. The timing is perfect.
However, Joe can’t put any stock in Pro Day performances for quarterbacks. They’re scripted — by the shorts-wearing quarterback themselves. They’re phony. There’s no defense. There’s absolutely nothing shown that can’t be seen on college game film.
But the biggest reason a Pro Day is meaningless for Johnny Football, or any other draft-hopeful QB, is because any team interested will bring Johnny to their facility and work him out on their terms, and grill him on his football knowledge under duress. That’s what really counts.
So dazzling or discouraging, sizzling or sorry, precise or painful, Joe will put no stock in Johnny Football’s Pro Day today, even if Lovie Smith says it’s important, as he told Joe yesterday.
Update 10:18 a.m.: Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting Johnny Football will buck tradition and wear a helmet and shoulder pads through his workout.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:11 am
Well, if we draft him we’ll still have the worst QB in the division.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:12 am
But first in the division on “ability to pull”
March 27th, 2014 at 10:24 am
Helmet and shoulder pads?
LOVE IT.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:24 am
sounds like Joe is already covering for johnny if his pro day is poor
March 27th, 2014 at 10:26 am
Don’t let them fool you. Were looking at Evans. Not Manziel.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:27 am
@chris hope so
March 27th, 2014 at 10:30 am
But don’t expect Joe to care.
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Yet you report on his attire for the day?
March 27th, 2014 at 10:33 am
Who cares
March 27th, 2014 at 10:34 am
if mike evans runs a 4.4 draft him
March 27th, 2014 at 10:55 am
I think that Deminion called it first, Joe is already preparing his defense in case Manziel lays an egg. Ironically, a bad Pro day may be just what Joe needs if the Bucs are to get a chance to draft Mr. Football
March 27th, 2014 at 10:57 am
” Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting Johnny Football will buck tradition and wear a helmet and shoulder pads through his workout.”
Of course he’s going to do that Joe. The pads and helmet make him look bigger than he really is. Anything to disguise that tiny frame.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:59 am
Lovie will not drat a WR in the first round. PERIOD. Never been his style and this draft is too deep. Forget Sammy forget Evans..won’t happen. I still say we will trade down..look for Zack Martin on a trade for a number 4 pick then move in into late round one or earlier in round two for the WR or QB
March 27th, 2014 at 11:07 am
Not being his style is uncertain, as he had the year off to reflect.
He may have concluded that his lack of attention to the offensive side of the ball prevented the winning of a Super Bowl.
Thus, the Tedford hiring.
Which could very well be followed by drafting a big time QB as 7, as Lovie knows he wont have that high a pick again.
JF will light it up today.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:07 am
Joe is so tempted to live-blog the Johnny’s Pro Day.
🙂
March 27th, 2014 at 11:09 am
Captain Stagger…you don’t know that he would be the worst QB in the division. He could be a huge Tebow style bust or a HOFer. I think the kid will be incredible but I don’t think he would fall to us nor do I think Lovie would take him if he did. He will never be a buc
March 27th, 2014 at 11:13 am
“any other draft-hopeful QB, is because any team interested will bring Johnny to their facility and work him out on their terms, and grill him on his football knowledge under duress. That’s what really counts.”
@Joe….and if the Bucs don’t bring him to Tampa for a workout, then what’s that mean? They’re not interested in him?
March 27th, 2014 at 11:16 am
DallasBuc…I thought Vinny(Heisman) was going to be incredible too. That’s not the only reason I’m anti-Manziel though. Many people thought Vinny was going to be incredible.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:19 am
Buc1987 Says:
March 27th, 2014 at 11:16 am
DallasBuc…I thought Vinny(Heisman) was going to be incredible too. That’s not the only reason I’m anti-Manziel though. Many people thought Vinny was going to be incredible.
++++++++++++++++
From his implosion against Penn St. in his bowl game, I thought Vinny was an incredible moron and for my 8th grade business letter writing project, I wrote the Bucs begging them not to draft Vinny and to keep Steve Young.
Even in 8th grade I was smarter than most of the Personnel Department.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:22 am
Brandon..lol I’ve heard that Penn State stuff before from fans. They all use that as a tool to say that they did not want the Bucs to draft Vinny.
I’m not saying your one of those people, but your definitely not the first person to say it.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:27 am
The helmet and shoulderpads should protect him from the imaginary defense.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:29 am
Joe is so tempted to live-blog the Johnny’s Pro Day.
__________________________________________
I wouldn’t mind participating if you would take me off this up for moderation list. I have no ideal why I’m even on it unless it’s punishment for disagreeing with you sometimes. You have allowed everything I post to show up eventually but it keeps me from participating in real time.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:30 am
Likely not, unless they are already convinced they can use him.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:32 am
Not a list. It appears your IP was banned at some point for some reason, or your computer is sending weird invisible messages that are spam filter keeps picking up.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:34 am
Vinny was an average QB who came to a sorry football team. Anybody remember the Culverhouse’s?! Funny thing is that even though he never won the Lombardi, he had more longevity than Young. He couldn’t have been that bad to survive all those years. He was way over-hyped, just like Clowney and Manziel. The proof is in the pudding and we don’t know yet about these draftees. Bust or boom, only time will tell.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:36 am
DallasBuc Says
Captain Stagger…you don’t know that he would be the worst QB in the division. He could be a huge Tebow style bust or a HOFer.”
Exactly what I was going to say. It’s 50-50 at this point. But that would be the case with ANY players taken in the draft.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:37 am
Ho! Hummm!
March 27th, 2014 at 11:39 am
SAMCRO, don’t blame Joe for that. WordPress (the software Joe uses) has spam filter plugins that do that. Sometimes it’s finicky, sometimes not.
From what I’ve seen, Joe tries his best to approve messages when he gets notification, but he’s also got to have time to gather the news as well.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:41 am
Bucsfanman Says
“Vinny was an average QB who came to a sorry football team.”
I agree, but I suspect he would have been elite with the new rule changes. Because the QB is the most protected position on the team now.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:44 am
I tend to think Bridgewater is the overhyped QB this year. Everything about that guy screams bust to me. Has since the beginning. His pro day is just a symptom of what I was already suspecting.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:44 am
Bucsfanman :
“He was way over-hyped, just like Clowney and Manziel.”
That’s part of my point. Although “average” college QB’s don’t win the Heisman.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:45 am
Bonzai…I don’t know why, but Teddy reminds me of Leftwich.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:45 am
I’m not sending any scripts or spam. I have no adware issues. I think Joe banned my IP.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:48 am
“But that would be the case with ANY players taken in the draft.”
Bonzai..maybe this draft ANY player is 50-50, but there have been many drafts that there are can’t miss players and they turned out be just that.
March 27th, 2014 at 11:51 am
Manziel will be a force in this league, just not on this team.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Johnny is so dreamy.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:01 pm
1987- I meant average NFL QB. But if you want to get particular, look at that Hurricanes team he was on. I’d say they were able to cover a lot of inefficiencies in his game, don’t you?
Bonzai- I too think Teddy is over-hyped. Look at the competition he played in comparison to some of the other prospects.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
What’s this about a week arm?
March 27th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
He had to wear pads and helmet so he didn’t look like a tiny little 6yr. old out there.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
How smart is Bridgewater? Got that info?
March 27th, 2014 at 12:22 pm
“Joe Says:
March 27th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
What’s this about a week arm?”
Greg Cosell
http://nfl.si.com/2014/03/27/johnny-manziel-arm-strength-2014-nfl-draft/
March 27th, 2014 at 12:23 pm
Johnny Football the Truth!!
March 27th, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Having a great pro day so far!
March 27th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
The NFL Network is showing tryouts for circus midgets today.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Like Warner and Joe said, it’s easier when it’s scripted.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
I’m all about drafting Johnny, bridgewater or bortles. I initially didn’t want a qb but the more I think about it…. This is our chance to guess right and if we do we will have a perennial playoff team for the next 10 years. That’s what franchise qb’s bring. Obviously there is a big chance whoever we draft will be a bust but hopefully we guess right eventually.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
When you are as small and tiny as Johnny Football, you need to wear pads and a helmet to look bigger.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
lol@lightningbuc
@Bucsfanman…oh yah I definitely think the canes disguised some of Vinny’s flaws.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
I would think it says something if they throw badly using their own script.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:53 pm
I fell in love today.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
“No stock” is an exaggeration. Scouts put “little stock” but I have yet to hear a credible source say there is “no stock” whatsoever placed on pro days. That scout would’ve have a job for long. It’s a final piece to the puzzle, so yes, it’s definitely a piece. A much smaller piece than game film but a consideration nonetheless.
Joe, don’t be a homer by overstating things. We already know you have eyes only for Manziel which comes across as somewhat creepy. Why not be more objective and keep all your credibility? No need for such exaggeration. Knowledgeable fans don’t fall for over- or understating things.
March 27th, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Johnny’s workout today ended the conversation on JF to the Bucs! Once and for all!
March 27th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Brilliant at his pro day, as I feared.
Kid will be a superstar.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:00 pm
He wore the helmet and pads because Nike told him to. At least he’s a good subordinate if nothing else.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:01 pm
he will go number one to the Texans after today’s performance.damnit I really wanted him.he will be the next Steve Young but better.mark my words.move up and grab him Tampa you will regret itif you don’t
March 27th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Man can that kid throw on the run or what. Insanely good.
But, with no ammo to move up its likely a pipe dream, unfortunately.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:07 pm
just watch the tape pro days are just a beauty pageant
March 27th, 2014 at 1:11 pm
What really caught my eye was how open all the receivers were!
March 27th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Didn’t seem to help Bridgewater…….
March 27th, 2014 at 1:14 pm
@lightininguc lol
March 27th, 2014 at 1:18 pm
The Farmer’s Almanac says this will be the longest April in history.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:20 pm
WTF?! So a pro day has no stock if it’s bad, but if it looks good all of a sudden it counts? Are you morons serious? What a bunch of idiotic hypocrisy.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:27 pm
FLBoyInDallas, its called confirmation bias. Every one who loves Johnny was going to say elite, franchise QB, likely greatest of all-time etc… if he had a good performance. And if he had a bad performance it’d be “Just a workout” etc…
March 27th, 2014 at 1:30 pm
Actually the hypocrisy is all you folks who predicted he would not do well today.
In reality JF had better performance at the combine, pro day, and certainly during games than any of the other QB’s considered top picks.
It is only the hatred of the guy (for reasons I don’t fathom), that causes all the discontent. None of it related to the football field
But, I’m sure Lovie was quite impressed, as anyone objectively looking at it would be.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:30 pm
all of this means nothing until it’s time 2 go live
March 27th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
So now, after today, the midget had the best performance at the combine, even though, unlike Bortles, he was too scared to pick up a football. I gotta get me some of the rose colored glasses some of you guys have.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:40 pm
@Eric funny cuz the scouts say the best pro day was Carr
March 27th, 2014 at 1:41 pm
in the 40 yard dash and other drills yes.
Hey, even Jaws was won over today.
But, nothing will impress the Johnny haters.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Umm, Eric, who predicted he would do bad today? Likewise, who actually cares what these guys do on these days? JaMarcus stunned people at his pro day when he could launch it 60 yards from his knees. And it mattered because….
March 27th, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Yeah, Jaws was so impressed he said he would now move Manziel up into the first three ROUNDS.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:44 pm
I have been watching all the film I can get my hands on thus far. I honestly don’t want us to waste a pick in the 1st on a quarterback, however if we do I would only be able to stomach Bridgewater. Honestly the best guy I have seen at the position thus far especially with all he has gone through is Mettenberger. Baring that his acl injury is cleared I feel we should push for him in the 2nd round. He can challenge to start but most likely could sit year 1 and come out a starter in year 2. He stands in the pocket and isn’t shaken, makes excellent throws with good throwing motion, and keeps his eyes seemingly always down field and makes quick reads. Only thing I can see that he absolutely needs to learn is when to throw the ball away.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Quite a few people did, accusing Joe of dismissing the pro day because Johnny would do poorly.
And you guys know had he you would be jumping all over it.
I’m aware it doesn’t prove much, but JF did answer some questions today about arm strength. As he stated he made all the throws. Even the haters would have to admit he displayed an NFL caliber arm today.
I suspect that’s what the scouts were focused on. Interestingly, no Browns coach there today.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Eric says :
“Actually the hypocrisy is all you folks who predicted he would not do well today.”
Seeing how I never miss a thread. Exactly who said that again? Who said JF would have a bad pro-day. I never read that from anyone on here.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Yeah people were poking fun at Joe this morning about, just being prepared in case JF sucks it up. I don’t translate that into anyone saying that he would suck it up.
March 27th, 2014 at 1:58 pm
How was Tebow a bust? 80.6 rating (24th amongst active QBs), last 2 games were playoff games. When were the Bucs in the playoffs last? He’s literally too popular to be a backup, but he wasn’t good enough to just get another starting gig (after being beaten out by PEYTON MANNING). And if you think Rex Ryan knows QBs, I present Sanchez & Geno. That said, huge Manziel fan. People convinced he’ll be a bust just strike me as reactionary cynics.
March 27th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Here’s the biggest red flag for Manziel, by far. His more staunch supporter is Skip Bayless. The last two QBs Skip Bayless defended as hard as he does Manziel? A couple guys named Vince Young and Tim Tebow.
So yeah, that alone is pretty damn scary. If Skip thinks he’s great, history tells us…
March 27th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Christopher (obviously a Gator fan) your hilarious. Did you just type that with your Gator hat, Gator t-shirt, and orange and blue glasses on?
Tim Tebow :”He’s literally too popular to be a backup”
Hilarious stuff!
March 27th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
I’m still cracking up over here….
March 27th, 2014 at 2:58 pm
But can he “pull” in the pros….the Joes need to know!!!!!
March 27th, 2014 at 3:02 pm
But is Tebow’s jersey available for sale anywhere? Then I make a decision on him.
March 27th, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Johnny was 61 of 64 passing today. He didn’t throw an incompletion til his 48th pass & completed every deep ball. Also, he supposedly showcased what appears to be the strongest arm in the draft & near-perfect mechanics from under center.
March 27th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
61 of 64 …playing catch…wow impressive!
March 27th, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Apparently, he hasn’t been partying too much to a polished, strong QB. That is my only real concern. That the partying/boozing lifestyle will effect his training, depth perception, etc…
March 27th, 2014 at 3:15 pm
@buc the haters
None of that will matter to the Johnny haters cause the guy likes to party and hang out with hot chicks.
March 27th, 2014 at 3:16 pm
87, better than shitting the bed and looking weak like Bustwater
March 27th, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Joe, please erase my previous duplicate msg with a typo… Apparently, he hasn’t been partying too much to *be a polished, strong QB. That is my only real concern. That the partying/boozing lifestyle will effect his training, depth perception, etc…
March 27th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Big Props to Joe. Has turned me into a Big Time believer in the young man only known none other than skirt dropping Johnny Football !
If no Clowney or Watkins is sure as Hell better be Johnny Manziel!
Former MGM member out….
March 27th, 2014 at 3:41 pm
Shizzelfutz! No way we get him now Joe! He rocked his Pro Day. And watch what happens tonight after his show with Gruden. Ugh. Hopefully Mack or Watkins falls to us at seven. Otherwise, try to wheel and deal for additional picks.
March 27th, 2014 at 4:13 pm
I don’t get this he (Heisman winner) does well with the ladies thing. He gets his picture taken with lots of college girls and that translates into he gets laid a lot.
Oh the idiocy of it all.
Buc the Haters…really what were Bustwaters numbers at his pro day?
March 27th, 2014 at 4:27 pm
I’ll bet he took tons of pictures with dudes too….what’s that mean?
March 27th, 2014 at 4:35 pm
I’ll bet Chucky has had his pic taken with 1000 Hooters girls, even before he became a sponsor.
A bunch at the Clearwater location. And, he looks a little toasty in some.
What a depraved guy.
March 27th, 2014 at 4:43 pm
It’s so hilarious to bring up anything related to getting laid as a reason to be for or against Manziel. It’s just so bizarre. Nobody is against him because he’s out partying. He can party hearty for all I care. I’m more worried that when a Navarro Bowman or Lavonte David has him lined up, that his career will be over shortly after that. His advantage, the thing that let him do well in college, is his freelancing and scrambling around for many seconds. In the NFL, the defensive players aren’t falling for that.
It’s just so bizarre to bring up non-football related stuff. We all know this is the NFL and you can commit murder and still go to the HOF right? Play on the field and do whatever the hell you want. Don’t and you better be a choir boy.
March 27th, 2014 at 5:00 pm
That’s right. All the college groupies are only in for the pictures
March 27th, 2014 at 5:39 pm
look at the picture at the top of the article and then tell me that this is our QB of the future? Ya right!
March 27th, 2014 at 5:42 pm
bucrightoff…yup I’m not worried about him getting laid or not. I just don’t understand how him posing for pictures with girls at bars translates into him being a stud. It gets brought up on JBF all the time with Joe’s “pulling” word and it is funny as hell when it does get brought up though.
Since Joe is the one that started it all. Perhaps he can let me know exactly how he came to that conclusion or was he just bored and trying to be funny. Because funny is what it is. Oh well.
As far as his durability goes. Ask RGIII how easy it is to get hurt playing the style of play they both like to play. I think RGIII has more bulk to him as well. I think Manziel is going to get hurt and hurt real bad playing the NFL. But hey like RGIII he will be fun to watch for a little while anyways.
March 27th, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Gee here I was thinking you guys didn’t like Johnny because of his off field activities.
My bad, it’s all football related.
March 27th, 2014 at 7:29 pm
Whatever. I’m just excited for him to get into the league. That kid is one of the most exciting players I’ve seen in a long time.
March 27th, 2014 at 8:03 pm
Any bucs fan that doesn’t want Johnny football is crazy.
March 27th, 2014 at 8:10 pm
The Gruden show with Johnny Football tonight was outstanding! If Gruden were still coach guaranteed he’d beg, borrow, and steal to draft this guy. I wonder if L&L feel that way.
March 27th, 2014 at 9:05 pm
I hope L&L don’t feel that way says this crazy fan.
March 27th, 2014 at 9:37 pm
Is Drew Brees too small? Is Russell Wilson too small? You guys sound like you are stuck in the 80s with that B.S. What’s actually more important is that he has the biggest hands of any QB (and he has a size 15 shoes, which is freaking crazy). How any person can watch Johnny play and not be absolutely mesmerized is beyond me. I suspect it’s a bunch of either non-college football watchers, or a bunch of jealous fans of other teams who wish he was their QB for their school. This guy is supremely talented and proven, and some of you are just grasping for stuff to find wrong with him. You have people saying he parties too much, yet would be screaming next year for a player who raped a girl (allegedly)! Give me a break. These guys all party, all chase tail. Get over it.
March 27th, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Why the hate Buc1987?! It’s Johnny Freakin’ Football! In all seriousness, his speed, arm strength, leadership skills, ability to read defenses, and ability to throw accurately from all conceivable arm and body angles, even without the laces, are top flight. I don’t get the negativity. I think Texans take him #1 overall.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:35 pm
Perfectly said Hawaiian.
March 27th, 2014 at 10:54 pm
johnny will be gone before our pick now.
March 28th, 2014 at 5:50 am
When Manziel goes down with his first major injury, then come back and ask me why the hate and crap like that.
March 28th, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Are you trying to maintain some sort of image? It’s Johnny football, if your going to mention him on your web page you might as well be truthful about the fact you wish a QB like him was here instead of JOSH
March 29th, 2014 at 11:39 am
Vinny was a great QB behind a lousy offense. Hmmm. Sounds kinda like Glennon.
Vinny threw for quite a few yards in his career.