Do you want Johnny Manziel at #8?

Post by **dead_poet** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 3:58 pm

I thought the poll asking about QBs was interesting. One QB, in particular, seems to be very polarizing among the media, but more so with Vikings fans. At first it seemed like a pipe dream he'd even be around at our selection, but I get the sense that it's quite possible now. I'm curious to gauge the temperature of the board on the guy.

So, what'll it be, VMBers? Do you want Spielman to select Johnny Manziel if he's available at #8?

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:21 pm

I voted yes, but at the same time i can see why anyone would say no. Johnny is a major risk being taken that high and it might not seem logical because you could get a player whose skill set has more of a history of transferring to the NFL. But I think with where this team is at with QB (mediocrity at QB for better part of the last decade) we need to take a big risk and chance a big pay-off. I'm curious what people who don't like Johnny think his floor is? I'd say worst case scenario he's Jeff Garcia with less passing td's and more rushing yards and TD's, but his Ceiling is Russel Wilson/Fran Tarkenton. So the way I see it Worst case scenario we have the same production we're getting now just different person who's more exiting to watch and best case scenario we get Fran Tarkenton Jr.

Purple bruise · Post by **Purple bruise** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:21 pm

To me it all depends on who else would be available at that pick. I am not sold on him BUT he would be fun to watch and see if he could bring his college game to the pros. Big risk/Possible Big Reward.

Post by **S197** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:41 pm

For the sake of the argument, I'm going to assume guys like Clowney, Watkins, Mack, and Bortles are off the board. If any of them are there, then my answer would be no.

However, it's fairly likely they're not so in that case I would say while I don't want Manziel at the pick, I wouldn't hate it like I would if they were to take someone like Carr. The Vikings offense has been horribly boring to watch these past few years (other than when AD goes beast mode) so the idea of having a guy like Manziel is intriguing. There's no question the guy is a playmaker, it's just how much of that translates to the NFL. If they're ever going to take a player like Manziel, now is the time. The coaching staff should have a couple years of leeway and the team is playing in a college stadium for the next two years so taking a bigger risk now probably isn't as big of a deal.

King James · Post by **King James** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:45 pm

PurpleKoolaid · Post by **PurpleKoolaid** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 4:45 pm

No way Rickie reaches on 2 QBs in a row. Both of which will backfire on him. And JFB will be there at 8, a perfect chance for the Vikes to get more picks.

headless_norseman · Post by **headless_norseman** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:14 pm

Can't remember where I heard this stat, other than it was on ESPN. But the percntage of QB's drafted in the 1st at his hight is eye-opening dismal. JF may be an exception, but I don't think it's worth it when someone like a Mosley is a can't miss.

HardcoreVikesFan · Post by **HardcoreVikesFan** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:34 pm

Yes, but only if he is on the board and a guy like Bortles, Bridgewater, Watkins, and Mack aren't on the board.

Texas Vike · Post by **Texas Vike** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:43 pm

headless_norseman wrote:Can't remember where I heard this stat, other than it was on ESPN. But the percntage of QB's drafted in the 1st at his hight is eye-opening dismal. JF may be an exception, but I don't think it's worth it when someone like a Mosley is a can't miss.

No one is a can't miss. Mosley has an injury history. I like him a lot, but he illustrates my point--"can't miss" doesn't exist. You can mitigate risk, and some guys are less risky than others, but there is no player without risk.

I'd take Manziel and groom him for a year or until circumstances warrant his playing. He could potentially be a franchise QB. He could also bust, but I feel like it will be pretty clear within a shorter amount of time than for most QB prospects.

Post by **Mothman** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:54 pm

I honestly have no freakin' idea if I'd take him at #8.

I can't make up my mind about him but the remaining players on the board would have a huge impact on my decision. He's definitely not a player I'd just draft at #8, regardless of who else was available.

headless_norseman · Post by **headless_norseman** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 6:07 pm

Texas Vike wrote:
No one is a can't miss. Mosley has an injury history. I like him a lot, but he illustrates my point--"can't miss" doesn't exist. You can mitigate risk, and some guys are less risky than others, but there is no player without risk.

I'd take Manziel and groom him for a year or until circumstances warrant his playing. He could potentially be a franchise QB. He could also bust, but I feel like it will be pretty clear within a shorter amount of time than for most QB prospects.

I used 'can't miss' in context vs Johny Football. Otherwise, I never use that prase. But I knre I'd catch heat for using it.

Slick Rick · Post by **Slick Rick** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 6:34 pm

He's a very intriguing prospect, but I don't think the Vikings will be picking at #8.

Texas Vike · Post by **Texas Vike** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:00 pm

headless_norseman wrote:
I used 'can't miss' in context vs Johny Football. Otherwise, I never use that prase. But I knre I'd catch heat for using it.

So Mosley is a safer pick? I agree with that. But there are times when you have to go for it. The QB position is worth assuming the risk--Manziel could be a very special talent at the most impotent position in the game.

headless_norseman · Post by **headless_norseman** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:05 pm

Texas Vike wrote:
So Mosley is a safer pick? I agree with that. But there are times when you have to go for it. The QB position is worth assuming the risk--Manziel could be a very special talent at the most impotent position in the game.

Debating you on this one is like debating myself. I pushed for Manziel not too long ago. The scenario I posted is one that I seem to be leaning towards, but realistically, wouln't be but among many angles I'm sure the staff is looking at and ready for.

To the finer point of taking a chance on someone like him, yes.

But when I heard that dismal stat about first rounders at his height, that's a huge red flag.

Texas Vike · Post by **Texas Vike** » Sat Mar 15, 2014 7:19 pm

headless_norseman wrote:
Debating you on this one is like debating myself. I pushed for Manziel not too long ago. The scenario I posted is one that I seem to be leaning towards, but realistically, wouln't be but among many angles I'm sure the staff is looking at and ready for.

To the finer point of taking a chance on someone like him, yes.

But when I heard that dismal stat about first rounders at his height, that's a huge red flag.

I hadn't seen my typo till now! We have certainly been impotent at the QB position recently. For the record, I'm not debating with you, just trying to clarify your point & be more precise. It's fine by me that we see it differently.

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