Mel Kiper Mocks Johnny Manziel Number 1 Overall

Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A
Mel Kiper released his first mock draft of the year and with the first pick in the draft, he mocked Johnny Manziel to the Houston Texans with the number 1 overall selection. Way to make a controversial pick right out of the gate!

Here is his analysis:

"Johnny Manziel *Houston Texans (2-14)COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 21HT: 6-0WT: 205POS: QBAnalysis: I spoke to a number of high-ranking NFL evaluators this week, and this is the one QB anyone felt certain was a top-5 pick. So consider this an early bet, with one major caveat: Bill O’Brien just arrived, is still putting his staff together, knows a good QB when he sees one, and hasn’t had enough time (if any) to study the draft class. But we know quarterback is a major need here. O’Brien likes a QB with presence, a leader and a guy who will out-prepare the competition. And while Manziel has gotten his share of bad press, he’s a dynamic talent, and I feel he can lead at the next level; I’m not alone in that opinion. While Manziel is currently ranked No. 11 on my Big Board, this reflects the draft.Manziel doesn’t fit the old prototypes of a QB drafted No. 1, and I have concerns about how well he can protect himself given his smaller frame, but he is a magician on the field, and is made for the current NFL. This league protects and welcomes QBs who can improvise, run and make plays beyond the playbook. It’s early, but Manziel is a special player and has the draft process to prove it further."

With the first selection, people have been selecting Teddy Bridgewater and possibly Jadeveon Clowney, but the selection of Johnny Manziel with the top pick is out of left field. Manziel has a lot of potential and is a big name, but there are better choices at the top.