There are a ton of mock drafts football fans can keep track of, but none are likely as popular as the ESPN duo of Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay.
McShay unveiled his latest mock today. You can see it right here if you have an ESPN Insider account. McShay has the Vikings selecting quarterback Johnny “Football” Manziel with the eighth overall pick in the first round.
Here’s what he said about the lightning rod from Texas A&M.
Taking Manziel at this spot will require a leap of faith on the part of the Vikings’ brain trust, as he presents a significant gamble because of his on-field decision-making and long-term injury risk. But if they hit on this move it could turn things around for them in a hurry. New offensive coordinator Norv Turner has a strong track record of developing different types of QBs — I’ve heard he likes both Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater — and there’s no doubting Manziel’s physical tools. He has the strongest arm of the top three quarterbacks, and his ability to extend plays and improvise is second to none.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock believes Manziel will be one of three Texas A&M players taken within the first 10-12 picks of the draft. Wide receiver Mike Evans and offensive tackle Jake Matthews join Manziel, who Mayock called a “wild card.”
Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer recently said he wasn’t impressed with Manziel’s “sideshow” of a pro day and some “red flags” were raised when they met with him one-on-one. The question is whether Zimmer is telling the truth. NFL coaches and general managers are known for using decoys to convince the rest of the NFL one thing when they’re quite possibly thinking another.
NFL legends seem to love Manziel. Former Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton is on record saying Manziel is the player that most reminds him of himself. Now, former Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubauch is saying Manziel should be the No. 1 pick in the draft, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Here’s who other mock drafters, who have updated their picks in the last few days, have the Vikings taking.
- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
- Will Brison, CBS Sports: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
- Nate Davis, USA Today: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
- Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Meanwhile, Bridgewater reportedly will visit the Vikings on Monday and Tuesday of next week. They previously met with Bridgewater following his pro-day workout in March.
Tick-tock, the NFL Draft begins four weeks from today.
