Improvisational with a "go big or go home" attitude. A propensity for risk-taking that will leave you either jumping for joy or smashing the beer glass in your hand to pieces. The ability to zip any throw right on the money while also making occasional boneheaded plays that leave you wondering, "how could he?" A lot of quarterbacks fit that mold, but two who really encompass those traits are legendary Green Bay Packers signal-caller Brett Favre and NFL Draft prospect Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M.
Through a recent interview with USA Today, Favre revealed that he also felt that the play of Manziel was reminiscent of his early days. As with Manziel, Favre had a strong arm and was able to run, utilizing a skill that many quarterbacks have not been able to master.
"I haven't watched him much, but one game I watched, for like three quarters, was the Ole Miss game. I almost thought I was watching film of a young Brett Favre. I didn’t think I did a lot of things well (in college at Southern Miss), but he did. And and I liked the attitude of ‘whatever it takes’ — from that standpoint, I liked him.
"I didn't throw near as well as him. He may have that capability — unbelievable throws and can make plays with his feet. I was impressed."
Manziel will be one of the key players to keep an eye on in the draft, in addition to the upcoming NFL scouting combine, which is taking place this week. However, he doesn’t plan to throw for scouts and personnel executives until March 27.
With a 6-feet, 210-pound figure, he is also small for a quarterback. He has significant similarities to Russell Wilson in terms of their build and playing style, and the young player has also credited Wilson, a recent Super Bowl winner, for giving shorter quarterbacks a chance in the NFL.
After an outstanding career with the Texas A&M Aggies, Manziel is ready to transition into the NFL. The two most likely destinations for him to end up seem to be with the Houston Texans or the Cleveland Browns. Who should get him? Is he able to become a star in the NFL in the same way that Russell Wilson has?
If Manziel can have anywhere close to the success that Favre had throwing the football, while also making his signature Johnny Football plays with his legs, he could be absolutely sensational at the next level.
It's just another reason that I feel he has the most upside of any quarterback in this draft class.
