Manziel Not A First Round Guy

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Just hours before the 2014 NFL and draft and still no one is certain who will be the first overall pick.  No two experts can agree on a similar top ten mock draft. What we all are can agree on is that this draft class could quite possibly the deepest group of potential stars in recent memory.

Yet all the nations columnist can write about and  all ESPN can talk about is one fanatical egomaniac named Johnny Manziel.

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While the flash bulbs flash in Maziel's corner of the world are popping off, those with true football intelligence are looking at a bevy of other future stars. A draft class stocked with depth in several key positions including the quarterback spot.

Sure Johnny was at times, a man among boys on the college gridiron. However that doesn't always translate to the big show. Just ask Vince Young, JeMarcus Russell, and dare I say Tim Tebow. Manziel shows many similar traits of those mentioned that could ultimately be the main sign as to his future. Yes he has a strong arm. No he is not disciplined on or off the field. Yes he can scramble to avoid pressure or even for a gain. No he will not be running on college defenses and no to all running quarterbacks having the same success on the ground in the pros as they did in school.

Many teams did indeed work out Manziel, I'm sure a few teams are seriously interested, yet only a certain few would be willing or should I say dumb enough to grab Johnny in the first round. Don't get me wrong if you're one ot=f the many teams without a prime time are, Manziel is worth a shot. Just as long as it's not in the first or even second rounds.

Who will be drafted in the top ten?  Below is my 2014 top ten mock draft.

Texans #1 DE South Carolina - Jadaveon Clowney - A freak of nature, perhaps a once and a lifetime type of athlete. It would be extremely difficult for any team to pass up Clowney.

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Rams #2 OT Texas A&M - Jake Mathews - St. Louis could not protect Sam Bradford in 2013. This year's draft class has a plethora of front line big men. Most experts have the Rams taking Greg Robinson in this spot. However I disagree, Mathews was a huge part (no pun intended) of the Aggies recent sucess.

Jaguars #3 QB Central Florida - Blake Bortles - Jacksonville is desperate need of a full overhaul. The best place to start is under center. Although Manziel gets all the attention, Bortles is pound for pound and more importantly statistically a better quarterback. Bortles did far more with far less then the rest of his peers had. Central Florida played in a major Bowl game this season under Bortles leadership, the first time that has happened.

Browns #4 WR Texas A&M - Mike Evans - Cleveland has notoriously drafted poorly. They could be interested in Manziel considering they do not currently hold a true star qb. Yet, I just don"t see them realistically willing to deal with the side show that would be if they draft the former Aggies arm.  This is why they will end up grabbing a "skill" position player and Evans is on the Browns short list.

Raiders #5 WR Clemson - Sammy Watkins - Who knows what the "braintust" (or lack there of) in Oakland is thinking. However most agree the Raiders will be looking to draft a receiver. Watkins is a deep threat that all teams will have to keep an eye on this fall.

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Atlanta #6 OT Auburn - Greg Robinson - Atlanta has no need for an arm or even a big play man. What they need more than anything is some protection for quarterback Matt Ryan.  Whether it's Robinson or if Mathews is still available, the Falcons will take an offensive tackle with this pick.

Tampa #7 OLB Buffalo - Khalil Mack - Tampa needs a lot of help, they appear to be looking at a defense first. Mack currently holds the all-time NCAA record for forced fumbles and is also tied for career tackles for loss in the NCAA. The Bucs will look for an immediate impact from Mack.

Minnesota #8 ILB Alabama - CJ Mosley - The Vikings current quarterback Christian Ponder isn't exactly a franchise guy. However drafting Maziel or any other arm is not going to fix one of the worst defenses in the league. Mosley is a ferocious beast in the middle of the field.

Buffalo #9 OT Notre Dame - Zack Martin - The Irish offensive line has been the best in the nation the past two seasons. The Bills could not keep EJ Manuel healthy in 2013. In order for Manuel to show off his deadly long ball, he'll need time. Martin is another big name in the already mentioned deep offensive line pool.

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Detroit #10 CB Oklahoma St. - Justin Gilbert - The Lions much like other clubs could desperately use a shutdown corner. Gilbert has the potential to be that guy. Certainly the Lions will not be drafting a receiver in the first round and Mathew Stafford is not about to be replaced any time soon.

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