Scared Of Johnny Football
March 28th, 2014
No, Joe didn’t get worked up over Johnny Football’s Pro Day yesterday. Joe was more impressed that former President Bush 41 and Texas Gov. Rick Perry attended and that Johnny Football wore pads and a helmet than anything else.
No, Joe didn’t get warm and fuzzy over his throws. Joe’s seen him do that in games. Why would Joe get giddy watching Johnny Football do the same with brooms as defenders?
But one very excited person was Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski of WHFS-FM 98.7. Just like another of Joe’s fine friends in the local media, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620, Justin has been loudly banging the drum for the Bucs to draft Johnny Football.
But Justin, like Joe, catches all sorts of hell for even suggesting that. It is so confusing to Joe that the only thing Joe can think of why Johnny Football has so many haters is that they are jealous they couldn’t pull in college like Johnny Football. The loathing makes no sense.
But Justin believes it is not just loathing, but fear and loathing that Bucs fans have about Johnny Football. In fact, Justin has come to believe Bucs fans are scared of a quarterback succeeding for the Pewter Pirates, and that Johnny Football, in particular, downright frightens the hell out of Bucs fans.
I’m not sure why some fans are so scared of stardom, but I know that the teams that win the Super Bowl each year are loaded with star players. The Bucs are very limited in this category right now. Manziel is a star before he’s even played a snap in the NFL, so why not ignite the fan base and the organization by bringing that star to Tampa?
Lovie Smith’s defense combined with Manziel’s playmaking and touchdown-making ability will make the Bucs relevant again, and make the Bucs must-see TV for the 1st time in a very long time.
Continue to be scared if you must, but as I said nearly three months ago, it is time for the Bucs to make a bold move with their franchise. Johnny Manziel would be that bold move if available to the Bucs in the draft.
Joe thinks Justin has nailed it with the Jeff Tedford connection. Tedford already has a proven resume with building quarterbacks. Imagine what he could do with a guy that is so multi-talented as Johnny Football.
Not sure how many watched Johnny Football with Chucky last night. And Joe knows that it is a made-for-TV, BSPN event. But the one Chucky line Joe loved was, “For all the people that claim you can’t read defenses, they can kiss my @ss because I’ve seen you do it!”
March 28th, 2014 at 7:16 am
Please, Joe, please!!! More articles on one player in the draft, no matter how unlikely it is the Bucs draft him.
Maybe you could do some articles on Tom B.R.A.D.Y. just in case the Bucs are able to trade for him.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:17 am
After yesterday’s performance, I’m definitely not scared away. I used to be anti JM but I’ve grow to appreciate his desire for the lime light. He has “it”!
March 28th, 2014 at 7:25 am
It’s a combination of fear, ignorance and jealousy.
Folks love to see very confident/cocky people fail. It’s similar to the explanation as to why so many so called Bucs fans just hate Jon Gruden.
Both Gruden and Manziel are super talented and have no problem expressing it. Losers hate to see that.
Thus the hatred of a kid they don’t even know for no reason at all.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:27 am
SCARED????? NOT ME!
I’ve written before that Bridgewater reminds me of Freeman so that’s a BUST in the making.
Bortles has POTENTIAL and that’s what I associate with Freeman
Manziel – all he needs is a good system and a mentor to keep him out of trouble so if he’s there when the Bucs draft they had BETTER take him
High risk but even higher reward!
JUST DO IT!
March 28th, 2014 at 7:30 am
Thanks for the humor Joe, I look forward to Manziel getting drafted by a team like the Raiders and benched 3 games into the year for horrible rookie play. I hope he’s mic’d too so we can all hear him say “damn coach is just jealous that he couldn’t pull like me in college!”
March 28th, 2014 at 7:36 am
Scared of Johnny Manziel coming to us and not “Pulling” his First round draft cost. Yes! That’s me, what happens when he runs around in his second game gets blown up by two NFL LB’S and gets hurt. He can’t play for many many games after this hit and is never ever quite the same scrambling QB he was in college, when he does come back in 2015. Yeah to me this has me scared of drafting him. As much as he wanted to show he is a pocket QB he is not. imo
March 28th, 2014 at 7:39 am
Joe, you just used the word “impressed” and “Rick Perry” in the same sentence. Frankly, you just lost some dignity, as that’s one class “A” a**hole of a politician if there ever was one.
Also, Manziel was paid by Nike to wear his pads at his pro day, nothing impressive about that, getting paid to throw a football at one’s pro day. It’s kinda selling out, per say, or like being a puppet, but at least it’s not equivalent to taking bribes as the governor of Texas.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:40 am
If anything all this attention makes it less likely to get jf he’s on a lot of ppl radar now.
But while I wouldn’t mind landing manhole I’d prefer and wouldn’t b upset of someone despatched him and a low Bridgewater to drop to us.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:41 am
This is getting comical….I’m starting to believe that the Johnny Football articles will never cease. If we don’t pick him (likely) we will recieve a barrage of “we should have”….if we do pick him….he will be an obvious subject as our QB.
Well….I’ll look at the bright side….he has taken the place of the obsessive whining about Michael Bennett.
Sammy @ 7.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:42 am
Why are we even discussing Johnny Football coming to Tampa, because he won’t make it past Cleveland!!! They are looking for a Star to motivate their fan base. I think we should take a lineman because we need to get better in the trenches first before we worry about a quarterback.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:45 am
It’s not being “… loaded with star players…” that win the big games. It’s having good athletes that can play at an elite NFL level. Justin is misguided and Dumbgig is just… well… you know.
I’m not afraid of Johnny Gazelle. If the Bucs can get him in the fifth round, it might be worth the gamble. What I’m afraid of is spending a HIGH first round pick on a third round talent. *I* do not believe his game can translate against the speed of NFL defenders and therefore, as a first round pick, he’d be considered a bust. The Bucs have a long trail of first round QB busts, and almost all of them were considered first round talent.
To me, Bortles is the only QB worthy of a (late) first round pick.
This QB class is worse than last years’, and it seems that no one here wants the best of last years’.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:46 am
bkny,
If you wanna hear about your liberal friends, go to healthcare.gov (if it’s working) and associate with like minded people such as yourself.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:51 am
Our OT/Edge rush situation is in more need and has the BPAs.
If we take a QB, give me Manziel before Jake Bortles or Teddy Small Hands.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:51 am
One good “hit,” and he’ll never play the same again. He’s a young Michael Vick. He’s too fragile.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:52 am
I think he’ll be long gone at 7!!!
March 28th, 2014 at 7:53 am
@lightningbuc…well said.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:53 am
@LJS4th
I read the Browns and Bears didn’t go to his pro day, so unless it’s a smoke screen I’m thinking the Browns are going in a different direction than Manziel
March 28th, 2014 at 7:54 am
Of course I agree with Tyler.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:55 am
I have stayed out of the Johnny Football debate and didn’t believe that he would be a good choice for the Bucs. I am now ready to say that I have changed my mind. I think Manziel would be the perfect choice for the Bucs.
Two things have happened to change my mind. First, I think the Tedford offense, through hints from Lovie and Licht and the choice of O-Line body types, lead me to believe we are going to a Seattle-styled high octane offense with a strong run game that will require a Wilson-like mobile QB.
Secondly, I saw Manziel’s pro day and I was most awed by his ability and accuracy to throw on the run – both short and intermediate routes and especially the deep ball. Take Mike Evans out and insert Vincent Jackson and I don’t think he loses anything. Nobody else in this draft can do that. Impressive to say the least!
I’m not at all concerned about the off-field non-sense, but it may be the thing that makes him available at #7. If he is there, I would now take him in a heartbeat!
March 28th, 2014 at 7:55 am
Hell even his interview on ESPN impressed me yesterday, he said all the right things, I’m just not sure he will fall to us at #7, which means we would have to trade up and I’m not for giving up Julio Jones draft picks like Atlanta did a few years ago, but I’m a Johnny Football supporter, so I hope he falls, I if.he doesn’t then bring in Sammy!
March 28th, 2014 at 7:55 am
The fact that Cleveland wasn’t there is even more obvious they’re going to take a QB. And I think Johnny is now the #2 QB over Teddy “new Freeman” Bridgewater.
The Gruden segment last night was awesome. Loved how they watched Favre clips and how Manziel mentioned “never missed a game” when Gruden was talking about his durability.
The kid is a star. I have no doubt. And I couldn’t agree more. Tampa fans are afraid to have a star.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:56 am
@tony:
Atlanta had to give up so much because they were coming all the way from 26th that year to get Julio. We just need to move up 5 spots. I’d give up next year’s 1st to get him. Because if we get him, that 1st rounder will be a LATE 1st rounder anyways.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:57 am
I get that the off season is slow. Really, I do. I get that clicks are king in the online journalism world. Love Joe or hate Joe, all that matters is that you keep on clicking. But if I read one more article on JM I think I’m going to barf and not come back to this site until after the draft.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:58 am
If the Texans passed on J-foot I would be shocked
March 28th, 2014 at 7:59 am
“Because if we get him, that 1st rounder will be a LATE 1st rounder anyways.”
Says you Snook.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:01 am
Manziel>bortles>bridgewater
No way Manziel is falling to us. We would need to go to #2 to be sure and if we go #2 it would means that all except one of these guys: Clowney, watkins, robinson, manziel would be there and I’m sure that Manziel would be my first choice..
IMO texans will either trade the pick or draft bortles. They’re the most needy QB team in this draft
March 28th, 2014 at 8:02 am
Justin is just infatuated with John Boys ability to “pull”
March 28th, 2014 at 8:02 am
Jealousy is such a terrible argument. I’m betting 98% of Johnny detractors have zero jealousy against him. How the hell can a person be jealous of one guy for getting more pull, or partying with hot chicks, or even being famous. They all do that. It is rarer to find a guy that doesn’t take advantage of the young ladies that love the star power.
But fear of injury is a legitimate concern. You cant compare him to Brees, because Brees isn’t a runner. There is a difference between running and escaping. You cant compare him to Russel because Russel is thick. Johnny isn’t thick, he’s thin.
That being said, I would love to have the opportunity to get this guy drafted. It’s a risk. A huge risk in my opinion. But it’s a risk I’m willing to take. You have to take risks to succeed in this game. Saints risked Brees’ shoulder. Donkeys risked Mannings neck. Packers took a risk switching from Favre to Rodgers. Seahawks took a risk starting Russel instead Flynn who got a huge contract. You don’t get a guy like Luck to fall into your lap every day, or get a Brady late in the draft who turns into a hall of famer very often. That’s my two cents.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:07 am
Joe can we get that BSPN Gruden(never loves any player) and Johnny FB love-fest event put on the site or do I have to go to BSPN to watch it?
March 28th, 2014 at 8:11 am
You see his post workout interview with mayock? When mayock asked him about the Lsu tape and why he didn’t see the presnap single high safety read during that game , his body language went in a different direction. He didn’t full answer the question and said “it was raining and cold” and “but I don’t make excuses and we were outta rythym”.
Do not draft.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:11 am
@Buc1987:
Its an hour long. Doubt it can be posted.
Just go look for it. Or DVR it again. I’m sure its probably on again today or this weekend.
So sick of the Manziel haters. The guy makes plays. Period. And he elevates the guys around him. He needs to be a Buccaneer.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:11 am
I fear Johnny Football getting injured more often than he plays, but besides that, if the Presidential family is out to watch his Pro Day, how in the hell do you think that the Texans will not take him with the first pick?
March 28th, 2014 at 8:15 am
I agree with 87.
I’m not going to pretend to understand internet business, but I’d rather give Joe the click than BSPN.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:27 am
I think there is a very good chance that Johnny Football will = Ryan Leaf when/if he fails. Seems like the type that could quickly become petulant and a crybaby when faced with adversity. He might decide fairly quickly that living off the succor of his wealthy family is better than playing football. Just a gut feeling. Also, it’s interesting that people defend Rick Perry, the man who thinks, among many other comical things, that the American Revolution was fought in the 16th century and that Juarez (Mexico) is the most dangerous city in the U.S. I love the comedy he provides, but he is clearly not a bright man.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:33 am
Couch Fan,
What are your thoughts on how we should spend then7th overall selection?
March 28th, 2014 at 8:34 am
@Leonard:
His boom/bust factor is definitely high.
If he busts, it’ll be ugly. I agree. But if he booms, I think its going to be historic.
If he plays the way I think he will, he’ll end up making Cam Newton looking like a poor man’s Johnny Manziel.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:34 am
Sounds like the same thing, when they called all the people that did not like Josh Freeman were because we were ” racist “.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:36 am
If JF is so great….how in the world would he be there at 7?
You have Houston, Cleveland & Oakland in front of us…..and trade up possibilities from Minn & Tenn.
There is no question we would have to trade up to get him and I would be opposed to trading up for any player this year.
The word “haters” is loosly tossed out about many fans….I think its not hate to have a negative opinion about a player’s skills, personality, character or potential. Hate is usually associated with someone you know personally or someone who impacts you.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:40 am
The hate is inexplicable, I agree. Jerry Rice said that Johnny reminded him of Steve Young. Jerry freakin’ Rice! That’s awfully high praise from the greatest receiver of all time.
JM has playmaking ability, won the Heisman as a freshman, and played in the toughest NCAA conference and yet we still want to knock him because he’s got a little ego, a little moxy. Oh, and he’s too small! Come on, that was the same knock on Flutie, Brees, Wilson…seriously, get over it.
I’m not saying do what you can to get this guy, but, if we did draft him I would not be upset.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:41 am
If you are going to accuse me of being jealous, I’m going to turn around and say that you must have been complete nerd in college who never got laid without your hand, and now you’re living vicariously through this guy.
It’s just as valid as yours.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:42 am
I just dont think he is as good as ppl say not hating on him just dont think his game translates to the nfl imo if he is drafted i will root for success
March 28th, 2014 at 8:43 am
Joe that fact you keep going with the “Couldn’t get laid in college” line is pathetic. And by the way what happens if Johnny’s on the board at 7 and the Bucs pass? Are you gonna go up to Licht and tell him you passed on Johnny cause you never got laid in college? Cause I’d pay you $1 million to do it.
Your whole over the top Johnny love really comes off as a midlife crisis. You wanna relieve your youth vicariously through Johnny. It’s really bizarre.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:44 am
It just pisses me off that I could never “pull” in college
the way that Johnny Football “pulled” in college, although I tried.
Now if he “pulls” in the NFL it will be too much for me, dammit.
Just being honest here.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:47 am
ODB,
Exactly. All the Johnny lovers are obviously short people – who have smaller hands, shorter feet, shorter pe—-, ahh, you get the point. And they have a hero in a fellow small guy who gets his picture taken with lots of girls.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:51 am
I agree, draft Johnny Football. Its hard to really fear Johnny being a bust, we have been so bad the last few years, the gamble is worth the shot. Not that I believe he will be a bust. Just saying who cares about the gamble at this point. All in on JFF
March 28th, 2014 at 8:57 am
Smith = Defense – Seek and ye shall find. No QB in the first or 2nd round. IMO
March 28th, 2014 at 9:00 am
if the guy falls to number 7 i would consider choosing him. however i am not going to get all crazy over the fact that he performed well in his pro day because as we all know who was the guy who had the best pro day in qb history WAS JAMARCUS RUSSELL and we all know how that ended up.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:02 am
@lightning – LOL. It’s just so….dumb.
Can anyone show me any starting QBs at any big footballs school that were dating any schnauzers? Even at smaller school, I expect the BMOC to be dating hotties.
But, somehow I’m jealous of one specific QB? As I have said before, if anything, we should all be jealous of all starting QBs. Especially in the league, there’s fame, chicks, money….But, yes, Joe, we are jealous one specific guy. You got me.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:03 am
After Johnny’s workout yesterday, and how everyone is clamouring over him, I doubt he makes it to #7. We would have to move up, but I find that unlikely since we have a very small arsenal of picks and so many needs.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:06 am
I’m scared of Manziel, not on the field, but off of it. He’s said the right things the past year but since he arrived in College Station, he hasn’t always done the right things. Throw millions of dollars in front of his face…and from what we know about Ritchie Incognito and his poon hound ways, Manziel (Mr. Hyde) may be even worse.
When you’re spending a #7 on a young player, that young player is likely to become the face of the franchise. When that player is a QB, that player WILL be the face of the franchise. In sunny strip-club laden Tampa, Manziel is a bit risky to pick that high.
Teddy Bridgewater is a more pro ready prospect. His game tape is second to nobody as far as putting the ball on the receiver, reading defenses, and making the right read and throw.
Bortles is a gamer, a little like Johnny Football in that improve is one of his strengths…but Bortles also has strengths such as arm, mobility, and excellent size…he fits what the prototype QB in today’s NFL looks like. He too is a safer choice than Manziel.
Brett Smith of Wyoming is as close to Manziel on the field as there is in the draft or today’s NFL…only he’s bigger 6’2 to Johnny’s 6’0, faster 4.51 to Johnny’s 4.68, and perhaps most importantly, he is considered a very hard worker on AND off the field. Brett Smith SHOULD be available in round 3. Spending a 3rd rounder on Smith while spending the #7 overall on a player that will make a huge impact now would not only improve this team now, but also in the future. What would I rather have, Johnny at #7 overall (while bypassing Mack, Watkins, a trade down, Clowney, or Robinson, or one of the other top QBs) or spend that pick on a position player that will help this club immediately and then use our #3 on Smith? I would take Brett Smith every day and twice on Sundays in round 3 over taking a huge risk on Manziel in round 1.
Manziel may turn out to be great, but the chances are, like with most QBs, he won’t be… and when he isn’t, nobody will be able to deny that the warning signs weren’t there.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:06 am
As someone in his mid-40’s who is balding, has a bit of a beer belly, has been married for nearly 20 years, and has 3 kids running around the house I’m jealous of any guy that pulls in college – the trumpet player, the astrophysics graduate student, the QB, etc.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:06 am
Oil Derrick Brooks Says:
March 28th, 2014 at 9:02 am
@lightning – LOL. It’s just so….dumb.
Can anyone show me any starting QBs at any big footballs school that were dating any schnauzers? Even at smaller school, I expect the BMOC to be dating hotties.
But, somehow I’m jealous of one specific QB? As I have said before, if anything, we should all be jealous of all starting QBs. Especially in the league, there’s fame, chicks, money….But, yes, Joe, we are jealous one specific guy. You got me.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Even AJ McCarron is dating a hottie and he looks like Herman Munster.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:08 am
The good part of all of this?
Joe betting the house on this guy, like I have never seen of any prospect ever, sets up for years of excellent jokes if he flames out.
I can live with another month of monotony for that.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:09 am
lightningbuc Says:
March 28th, 2014 at 8:47 am
ODB,
Exactly. All the Johnny lovers are obviously short people – who have smaller hands, shorter feet, shorter pe—-, ahh, you get the point. And they have a hero in a fellow small guy who gets his picture taken with lots of girls.
++++++++++++++
Actually, Manziel’s hands were second largest of all QBs at the Combine, second only to 6’6 giant Logan Thomas. Conversely, Brett Smith’s hands would have been 3rd largest and he’s just a shade under 6’2. One guy, I think Dustin Vaughn, stood 6’5 and had the smallest hands of any QB at the Combine.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:10 am
take a leap lovie grab johnny. no way sammy watikins is there at 7 therefore take Johnny. Now that superman’s pro day is over maybe he can head over to Australia and find the missing airliner.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:18 am
I think Johnny is the greatest football player I’ve ever seen, but even Vick with his 4.2 speed couldn’t escape injury. Johnny’s 4.7 speed surely won’t be enough to escape every situation. Some people naturally know how to take hits better than others and maybe johnny’s one of them, but his supreme confidence doesn’t make me feel like he’ll be humble enough to make evasive maneuvers or slide and I’m worried he’ll take too many hits and one of those hits will do some damage.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:25 am
Brandon,
It was sarcasm, directed at those who say we dislike johnny for his “pulling” ability. I know nothing of his sizes, except he isn’t 6 feet tall.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:29 am
I dont hate him, I just fear the risks he takes will not work against NFL Men and he’ll be hurt. What good will he do while on injured reserve Joe?
Shoot, Im happy for him living it up….I’d do the same (did it anyway when I was his age, women all over the place). If we draft him, I’ll pull for him, but I just dont get the feeling he will do so well in the NFL…but I could be wrong. Id rather draft OL and WR/TE (Ebron)…then maybe QB or DE.
Truth is Id rather wait for Winston to come out so we can draft him 🙂
March 28th, 2014 at 9:29 am
Like others I stay away from the Manziel debate, however I guess he would be a good choice if he slips to 7. I have been one to advocate that a strong supporting cast ca make an average QB look great. (Johnson, Mc Mahon , ad nauseum) so many don’t work out. I like Watkins, Mack, and Robinson but I don’t think they will fall to 7, so Manziel is a viable option.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:35 am
MadMax,
I’ve read a couple articles lately saying Winston may eventually do a Bo Jackson, and go the baseball route, probably as a pitcher – more specifically as a closer. Way more money and less physical wear and tear. I think it is mostly speculation – but who knows. Just FYI.
I always find it ironic Bo went baseball, and then couldn’t stay away from football and that ultimately led to his career ending.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:37 am
@lightning Buc
You’re a chump to defend Rick Perry. Also, why assume I’m liberal, because of my name and geographic location? Typical.
I’m no liberal.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:51 am
Let me see if I got this straight:
1. JF is so good he will never fall to seven so we can’t draft him. Therefore, Joe should quit posting stories about him.
2. If he does fall to seven that means he stinks cause the other teams passed on him, and we shouldn’t draft him.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:56 am
i dont understand the hate for bridgewater. his tape is impressive, he was highly successful in a pro style offense, he’s accurate, he has pocket presence, and appears to be able to read defenses. I have nothing a against JF. I just think you would have to put him in a similar system that he was in at a&m for him to be any good. imo
March 28th, 2014 at 10:03 am
Watkins, Mack, Ebron or Evans. At least one of these guys will be there at #7! These guys are all much safer picks than any of the “top 3” QB’s.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:04 am
He didn’t look that impressive to me.
You know what I saw? I saw his 6’5″ WR who MADE him, catching everything in sight, in scripted fashion.
Mike Evans made JF what he is. Mike Evans, 6’5″ who runs a 4.47 (fast for a big man) and has a catch radius of Calvin Johnson, yeah the WR made JF. Mike Evans was the goto against both Alabama games.
NFL scouts got to see Mike Evans adjust on Johnny Football’s off throws.
Must be nice to have a guy like Mike Evans to throw to…
March 28th, 2014 at 10:08 am
Even Glennon “pulls” too, but at least he doesn’t rub my face in it.
The damn Joes are probably planning on partying with Manziel
and feasting on the table scraps.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:15 am
With Johnny Manziel firmly putting his stamp on a top 5 draft selection, what does that mean for the Buc’s at #7? Do the math! There are 6 teams picking before the Bucs, but only 4 will likely pick a QB. If each of them picks a QB, then 2 of Clowney, Robinson, Watkins or Mack will be there at #7.
If 3 of them pick a QB, then 1 of the non-QB group will be there. If 2 of them pick a QB, then 2 of the top 4 QBs will be there. If only 1 of them pick a QB, then 3 of the top 4 QBs will be there.
What does all of this mean? Under any scenario above, the Bucs have an attractive selection at #7. If the Bucs choose to trade down, they will undoubtedly have willing trade partners for the attractive and available player/s at #7.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:18 am
What a load of garbage. People can have legitimate reasons for not liking Manziel on the field. To wit, he’s small and has bad throwing motion(s), and he can’t nail the most important passes in the pros, the quick 15 yarders up the middle. He blew two of those yesterday in fact.
Accusing people of jealousy makes you sound like one of those Star Wars nerds who kept defending George Lucas all the time.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:20 am
Correction: If 3 of them pick a QB, then 1 of the non-QB group and 1 of the top 4 QBs will be there.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:22 am
@237
JF threw to six different receivers during his pro day, only one of which was Evans. Nice try though.
Many draft mockers still have JF available at 7 even after the outstanding pro day.
Lot of teams ahead of the bucs believe they can get a QB in the later rounds and other players are more deserving of selection near the top f the draft.
Who knows. Nobody tells the truth about their intentions.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:40 am
He is little.
His throws were scripted… the timing with his WRs was practiced over and over again.
March 28th, 2014 at 10:53 am
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/27/jaworski-ive-moved-manziel-from-fourth-round-to-third-round/
I think this guy has a little more credibility when it come to QB evaluation then Steve, Justin, and Joe all world against air did u really expect something different!
March 28th, 2014 at 10:58 am
This is one of the most ridiculous article I’ve read on here. Jealousy because he can “pull”? Scared of stardom? Keep dancing around the fact that we think he will be a BUST. Believe it or not Joe, that is the most likely reason for fans not wanting to draft him.
March 28th, 2014 at 11:11 am
Trade whatever it takes.
We MUST have Manziel.
Offer our 1st round picks for the next 5 years if we have to.
This is life or death.
March 28th, 2014 at 11:45 am
All my friends, brother and I hope so bad we get Johnny Football we are with you JOE
March 28th, 2014 at 11:54 am
I’ve been saying he reminds me of Brett Favre, so it’s nice to know Jon Gruden agrees.
Holgrim (sp) wnted to bench Favre many times over in his first season. He even gave the order during games, only to change his mind just before Favre was pulled.
If we get Johnny, its going to take a lot of patience from the coaches and the fans.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
It’s funny how these discussions always devolve.
Congrats Joe! You landed some of these people hook, line, and sinker!
March 28th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
We’ll never find another QB that can “pull” like Manziel.
We need to move NOW.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Joe, I have to tell you after watching that performance yesterday I have completely done a 180 on Manziel. I am still a bit worried that he needs to put some size on those legs, but I would be happy to see the Bucs draft him.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
If this is a “discussion” then the Cave Man Gang are a group
of PhD physicists.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:22 pm
People dont like what I LIKE?!? Insult them!!!!!!!!!
It’s getting sad to hear people with platforms attacking those who don’t because you think they’re peasants with a quarter of a brain.
Dude isn’t an NFL star, get that through your head first. RG3 was a “star” too, now look at that franchise.
People have much more in depth opinions than “We’re afraid oh gosh our feeble minds cant handle it!”
Awful awful writing on these pages these days
March 28th, 2014 at 12:36 pm
I played college ball and likely pulled just as much as Johnny, yet I still don’t like him as the 7th overall pick. Just because people aren’t obsessed and in love with him like you are, doesn’t mean they are jealous or hate the guy. We can have a different opinion than Joe and not be a “hater”…
March 28th, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Truth be told, I’d bet half the Mancrush hate you see on this site comes from the constant Johnny jock-riding to Bucs fans who don’t want to hear story after story, reference after reference of a QB who has little chance of landing here. I’m starting to think you do it intentionally to annoy the “haters”. I’m not going to tell you how to run your site Joe, but when you are the best source of Bucs news outside of Bucs.com (yes, that’s a compliment) and people come here multiple times a day to see interesting Bucs news and you go rambling on about a college QB who can “pull” better than all his “haters” and has little chance of getting drafted by the Bucs people will be annoyed for that sole reason alone.
Then are legit questions about the guy. Just because he is the same height as Wilson and Brees doesn’t mean he is going Will his height hold him back? Is he going to run as recklessly as he did in college? Can he withstand an NFL-caliber tackle if he does run? Can he translate a good college game to the pros under an NFL staff? Make the same throws against bigger, faster DB’s?
Am I a “hater” for being concerned about his translation? I don’t care about him “pulling” in college. It’s not that hard for an average guy, let alone a big-name starting college QB. He can “pull” all he wants, it just increases his chances of getting an STD. If Mancrush is drafted by the Bucs, so be it. He will be a Bucs QB then, and I will support him. But I will still be concerned about his translation. Oh and BTW, he would still be the 4th best QB in the division. But I’m sure Brees, Ryan, and Newton will all be jealous of his ability to “pull”. 😉
March 28th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
*doesn’t mean he is going to be just like them.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
What Lovie Smith said after watching Johnny’s workout!
Smith was equally complimentary. “Pretty much like I thought he would do. He’s been a great player for a long time,” Smith said. “The guy’s a football player. He can do it all. That’s impressive. Most guys come out in T-shirts and you don’t play in T-shirts, so coming out made a statement throwing it in pads. Accurate. Great mobility. Then, he has great video. There are a lot of things to like about him.”
Didn’t say he would draft him, but unlike Vikings coach, Mike Zimmer who called it a “sideshow”, Smith was complimentary.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Gruden also talked about Fruityball’s slight frame and his tendency to take big hits due to his reckless style. He won’t be able to play the same way and survive in the NFL.
The idea that Bucs fans are afraid of having a star QB is ludicrous. We just want to draft a QB that won’t disappoint. Many people doubt that Doucheball is the guy.
You can’t afford to fall in love with a player going into the draft. You’ve got to be able to look at the potential downsides. Joe is blind in his manlove for Fruityballs.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Not jealous or scared of stardom! Would love to have a Bucs QB worthy of true stardom! What I am gun shy of however is being told “can’t miss, can’t miss, can’t miss” only to have the QB fall flat on his face! Vinny? Savior?, Trent? can’t believe Bucs lucky he fell to them?, Josh? Well we all know that ended well. See the pattern? I really like JF’s game and big play ability. Don’t know if it will translate to NFL though. Biggest issue w/me is off field maturity. If he can get that straight and focus on football like an elite NFL QB needs to, by all means go get him. Just saying.
March 28th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Every draftee is a risk.
Any of them can bust.
No one can say how they will play until they get into the league.
Sammie Watkins could bust, and he had more serious off the field problems than JF.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Eric Says
“Every draftee is a risk. Any of them can bust. No one can say how they will play until they get into the league.
Sammie Watkins could bust, and he had more serious off the field problems than JF.”
I agree very much. And all of these people saying to cut Williams and draft Watkins clearly don’t know what they are talking about, because if they did they would know Watkins has more issues and Lovie Smith is against drafting WRs in the first round.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Manziel must of been one of the thousand points of light Poppy Bush referred to in the new world order.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:16 pm
@lightning buc…. liberals are smarter than that, at least they can identify a crook when he speaks, ie any Bush, Perry.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Macabee Says:
“I have stayed out of the Johnny Football debate and didn’t believe that he would be a good choice for the Bucs. I am now ready to say that I have changed my mind. I think Manziel would be the perfect choice for the Bucs.
Two things have happened to change my mind. First, I think the Tedford offense, through hints from Lovie and Licht and the choice of O-Line body types, lead me to believe we are going to a Seattle-styled high octane offense with a strong run game that will require a Wilson-like mobile QB.”
I don’t agree with this particular point. *If* Lovie/Tedford were going to need someone with those talents, they would have sought out Vick, rather than McCown. And Glennon would have been traded by now, or released.
I do not believe that Manziel, in any round, is who the Bucs are looking at.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:30 pm
First round OTs bust at a drastically lower rate than other positions, especially QBs.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:31 pm
People are scared of injury, but exactly how many games has Johnny Football missed at Texas A&M? He isn’t going to play that reckless at the NFL level. He said so himself. Then again, I can guarantee you all the haters didn’t listen to a word of his interviews. People have either made up their mind one way or the other. Nothing is going to change it (with the exception of a select few).
March 28th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
@oil
Ever heard of Dave Carimi? Outland trophy winner, selected by Lovie in round one.
Offensive tackle.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Gabe, not Dave.
March 28th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
I still don’t get what there is to not like about Johnny Football. The absolute stupidest excuse I’ve ever heard is that he parties too much. LMAO, what a naive bunch you guys are to believe that NFL players don’t party! Then there’s the excuse that he’s too small, even though two of the top QB’s in the league are small. He has the biggest hands of any QB in the draft, which is more important than being tall. We aren’t still in 1983 are we? Then of course there’s the fear of injury crowd. If you’ve ever heard the guy speak, you can tell he’s very intelligent, and he’s not going to take on NFL guys head on. He’s is, however, going to make a lot of them look stupid by shaking them out of their cleats. Those who don’t believe he has arm strength, even though he has made every throw in the book. Maybe there is some merit to this, but not every great NFL QB has a Brett Favre arm.
If he’s there at 7 (highly doubtful), I don’t know why we would pass him up. He’s got a HUGE boom potential. Think RG3, but not having a coordinator getting him killed every play. He will put people in the seats, and have us a fixture on prime time games. And oh yeah, we may even be a participant in that thing I like to call the playoffs. Anyone remember those playoff games we used to be a part of regularly? Sorry, but a tackle isn’t going to do that.
March 28th, 2014 at 2:00 pm
A QB trumps all when it comes to picking for the draft. I’m normally a huge advocate of best player available, but no position has even close to the same impact as QB. If there is a QB we deem to be a franchise guy there at 7, we damn sure better take him, because Luke McCown or Mike Glennon isn’t the future. Aren’t you guys sick and tired of crappy QB play? We’ve had to endure years and years of it. Does anybody really believe that drafting a tackle is going to put us over the top? Drafting a left tackle for us is like putting a $1000 alarm on a $400 car. Get the Bentley first, then get the alarm.
March 28th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
The Bucs should do everything possible to get Johnny Football
March 28th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Of the big 3, the only one I would consider taking at #7 is Bortles.
March 28th, 2014 at 2:42 pm
@Eric
I know who he is. I never said it does not happen, just that busts happen drastically less for OTs. These stats are taken from 1993-2009 for first round picks:
Quarterback Hit Rate: 48.2%
Defensive Tackle Hit Rate: 46.9%
Offensive Tackle Hit Rate: 69.2%
Quarterback Bust Rate: 44.4%
Defensive Tackle Bust Rate: 46.9%
Offensive Tackle Bust Rate: 19.2%
QBs bust at over twice the rate as OTs. Given the many first round busts that this team has had recently, even totally last years picks, I personally would like a more sure pick that has a far more likely chance at sticking around for a decade or so.
March 28th, 2014 at 3:07 pm
HAWK says
I do not believe that Manziel, in any round, is who the Bucs are looking at.
Then you might want to explain why Lovie Smith attended his pro day or why they had a private meeting with him at the combine.
I also think that if Michael Vick was 21 and just coming out of VT with his skill set, Lovie and Tedford might just be interested.
The one thing you and I can probably agree on is they’re not going to take my advice and conversely………
March 28th, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Clowney, Watkins and Manziel are the three players certain to be gone by the time the Bucs draft. If I’m right about that, then it should be one of the OTs or Khalil Mack coming to Tampa.
March 28th, 2014 at 3:24 pm
@ODB,
You are correct that there is much less busts as OT. It’s usually a fairly safe pick. However, how many games is a LT going to win for us? Is a LT ever going to put a team on his back? Has a LT ever been the biggest reason a team won a championship? I would venture to say there’s been a lot more championship teams with mediocre tackles versus mediocre QBs. I’m not saying a tackle isn’t important, but it’s not even close in comparison to the importance of a QB. No position is, not in today’s game. A tackle isn’t going to make Josh McCown an all-pro. He’s not going to make Mike Glennon great. So while they are safe, they aren’t a critical piece of the puzzle. A QB is critical.
March 28th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
Hawk,
This would be the second meeting. Wasting a lot of time for no reason on a guy they’re not interested in!
Albert Breer Verified account
@AlbertBreer To recap — Texans, Jags, Vikings, Raiders, Bucs did/will meet with Manziel privately today/Fri. Browns will have him up to Ohio next month.
March 28th, 2014 at 3:36 pm
@Hawaiian
You could probably argue that a QB bust sets back a teams progress for far longer than a OT bust would. We can disagree on the importance of a great LT, but I personally don’t see any of these QBs worthy of doing what you said. Others have a different opinion than me. It’s an opinion.
I also don’t view this as the now or never proposition for QBs that others do. We’ll find out in about 5 weeks what OBP thinks.
March 28th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
@ODB,
No doubt a QB sets you back further, but the bigger the risk the bigger the reward. As for these QB’s, it is absolutely an opinion. After his freshman year, I was very much anti-Johnny Football in the NFL. Then I watched him a lot more this year and I believe he just has the “it” factor. I really believe he is going to be a star no matter where he goes, but he can have instant success with us. I can’t think of a better realistic situation for both us and for him. But yep, we shall see soon enough.
March 28th, 2014 at 4:18 pm
@ Macabee
IMO, the more meetings, the more likely it’s a smoke-screen. But I do agree that they aren’t listening to us. Their mistake. :^)
March 28th, 2014 at 6:38 pm
Interesting aside for the Joes:
Your site flies on IE but it crashes constantly on Firefox.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:27 pm
@mpmalloy,
Yeah, I’ve had that same problem for months. I finally just stopped using Firefox and switched to Safari anytime I come on the site. Maybe two clicks and nothing but a spinning wheel.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Yes, he has stardom, but so did Tebow and he was terrible.
March 28th, 2014 at 7:31 pm
What’s that you say Joe? Draft Johnny Football Manziel. I have not heard one good, sensible reason yet why not to. Don’t be scared of a potential superstar throwing around the rock in that fancy new Buc gear.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:18 pm
“Yes, he has stardom, but so did Tebow and he was terrible.”
—
You’re right, I sure would hate to draft a guy that could win a playoff game. We’ve done so much better with Freeman and Glennon.
March 28th, 2014 at 8:44 pm
Awww how sweet, two peas in a pod…
I’m sure you’ll keep each other great company as you mourn JFB not coming to TB on draft day lol
March 28th, 2014 at 8:59 pm
@Joe. Off topic but is there still a least a chance the Glazers will look into changing the numbers? I do not think it looks very modern at all. I thought that was the point of the big change. Seen another new photo tonight and still no. Manziel agress too I’m sure of it.
March 28th, 2014 at 9:46 pm
I only use Firefox and have no issues. I also run Malwarebytes, NoScripts, and Avast, in the background.
March 29th, 2014 at 10:38 am
Hawaiian Buc Said:
“If he’s there at 7 (highly doubtful), I don’t know why we would pass him up. He’s got a HUGE boom potential. Think RG3, but not having a coordinator getting him killed every play. He will put people in the seats, and have us a fixture on prime time games. And oh yeah, we may even be a participant in that thing I like to call the playoffs. Anyone remember those playoff games we used to be a part of regularly? Sorry, but a tackle isn’t going to do that.”
Bingo! What’s with all the name calling on JF anyway? Not cool. If he’s there at 7 and Lovie doesn’t take him, I think the Glazers might be a little pissed.
March 29th, 2014 at 8:53 pm
As much as we all like to express our opinions and talk about the right thing to do, we all have no clue what they may do with the front office and the new staff. I have to say it tho and probably will be hated but DO NOT DRAFT JOHN MANZIEL, I super enjoyed the most prolific QB in the Rich SEC tradition of defense’s. To shatter what Cam and Tebow did should automatically make you the top pick in Pro’s but we have been down this road multiple times. His Greatness just does not transition well to this Job. I can not bash him because he is a talented player but there is not much of a chance he can be a Russel Wilson,Favre or Brees . Whatever else comparison I missed, Trust SEEDOFCHUCKE007 on this, We should take the pass button if he falls to Tampa.