Before his redshirt freshman season was even over, and before he became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, Johnny Manziel already had been nicknamed Johnny Football. He was the most electrifying player in college football during his two-year career at Texas A&M, but the question always followed him: where in the NFL does he fit in?
The answer came Thursday night: in Cleveland. The Browns traded up four spots with the Philadelphia Eagles to the 22nd overall pick in the NFL draft to take Manziel. He was the second quarterback picked, 19 choices after Blake Bortles went third to Jacksonville.
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So honored to be a Cleveland Brown. I can’t wait to get to work. #DraftDay http://t.co/mP95vTpdAO
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) May 9, 2014
No other player in the draft had the phrase "It Factor" attached to his name more than Manziel did — not even Jadeveon Clowney, the first overall pick by the Texans . Even those who noted every non-traditional quarterback trait he has, could not deny that he has that special feel about him that quarterbacks with more traditional skills don't have.
Then again, no other player had a bigger microscope on him throughout his final season, and the ensuing offseason. Everything came up for debate nationwide — being asked to leave the Manning passing academy, showing up at parties although he was not of drinking age, being investigated by the NCAA for signing autographs for profit and eventually being suspended for one half, making the "cash money" hand gesture after big plays early last season.
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Just as large a topic was his size (6 feet even), speed (4.68 at the combine), style (could he make plays in the pocket, or would he risk his health making plays with his feet first) and, again, maturity. He created a new standard for pro days, with celebrity onlookers, musical accompaniment and his wearing pads and a helmet. The show was wherever he was, and it's expected that will continue in the NFL.
Manziel was the No. 16 pick in Sporting News' final mock draft , and the No. 3-rated quarterback at NFL.com.