A late draft rumor says the Minnesota Vikings are still considering Texas A &M quarterback Johnny Manziel.
NFL.com is reporting Vikings coaches, scouts and evaluators are meeting later today with ownership to discuss what to do if Manziel is available when they are on the clock with the eighth overall pick.
Johnny Football is still a possibility for #Vikings at No. 8. Owners are flying in for a late, pre-draft meeting where the call will be made
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2014
Whether or not Manziel will be available at eight is a bigger question.
According to the Bleacher Report, there are three good fits for Manziel prior to the Vikings eighth pick. The report focuses on Houston, Jacksonville and Cleveland.
Pro Football Talk reports Houston is close to acquiring quarterback Ryan Mallet from New England. That would indicate the team probably isn’t going to draft Manziel.
Cleveland is thought to be considering Manziel with the fourth pick, but they are likely more interested in Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater.
The Bleacher Report says Manziel may not be excited about playing in Jacksonville, which is a team that could give him a chance to take over the offense from day one.
Even if he gets passed by those teams Manziel could still be considered by Tampa Bay at seven, or by St. Louis, who could select him at two or trade back in to the top 10 picks.
Vikings GM Rick Spielman has been in contact with the Wilfs regularly over the last two weeks. Will give them the final plan shortly.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 8, 2014
Manziel is still very confident in his ability. On the eve of the draft Manziel stated that any team in need of a signal caller that passes on him will regret it.
“I believe they will, personally,” Manziel said. “I know in my heart how good I want to be and how committed I am to this game.”
The Vikings are expected to take a quarterback at some point in the NFL Draft. General Manager Rick Spielman said earlier this week that he would not be afraid to make the selection if the guy they like is available with the eighth pick.
