Is a train wreck any worse when you can see it coming? Ask Johnny Manziel.
This is what several experts and critics can’t help but say with a hint of “I told you so” in their voices as the one-time college football star-turned-1st round draft pick has flushed his football career down the toilet.
Following a rather incredible string of off-the-field incidents, most of them alcohol or drug-related, Manziel really got himself in trouble when he was involved in a domestic violence controversy involving his ex-girlfriend. This has since resulted in a Dallas court indicting him on assault charges.
"“Johnny Manziel is expected to be indicted Tuesday on allegations that he attacked his ex-girlfriend in January, an attorney for the troubled former NFL quarterback said Monday.Robert Hinton told The Associated Press that prosecutors have notified him they expect a local grand jury to sign off on a misdemeanor assault charge for family violence. The Class A misdemeanor carries up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.His indictment stems from allegations by his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, who alleges that he accosted her at a Dallas hotel and later struck her when they drove back to her apartment in Fort Worth. Crowley was granted a protective order that requires Manziel to not see her for two years, stay at least 500 feet from her home and place of work, and pay $12,000 in legal fees.”"
This goes far beyond anything draft experts were concerned about back in 2014. Everybody knew Manziel loved to party and had a wild side, but an abuser of women? That’s something new and it couldn’t come at a worse possible time since the NFL has been particularly harsh in blackballing players who have committed such offenses.
Ray Rice has failed to return to the league despite numerous attempts and Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman, once considered mid round draft pick may never even get to play pro football. Even if Manziel avoids jail time, which is no guarantee at this point, his chances of reviving his career are beyond remote. No team is going to want that distraction or bad PR.
With that in mind, where does this put the former Texas A&M star among the all-time draft busts? Biggest ever? The Mocks crew was asked to weigh in.
Rodney Stokes:
"“No. He was drafted at 22 overall, Ryan Leaf and Jamarcus Russell are well above Johnny Manziel simply because of expectations. Manziel was a controversial first rounder to begin with. Even if he had not been a wreck off the field, he still wasn’t viewed as the savior by any means.”More from NFL Mocks2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Cardinals, Falcons tank for USC QB Caleb WilliamsPatriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?Fantasy Football: 5 reasons Colts QB Anthony Richardson can be a top-end optionPackers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 20232024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board"
Matthew Holowiak:
"“JaMarcus Russell is still bigger in my eyes. Top overall pick proved to be one of the worst quarterbacks of all time. Johnny is different because he was doomed before his career ever began. Should never have gone in the first few rounds because of how high the risk was, so it doesn’t make him a bust as much as the biggest reach since Tim Tebow.”"
Eric Robinson:
"“Even if he was taken 22nd overall, the off-the-field antics gives this question life. His “star appeal” was right on the heels of Clowney who went 1st. It’s hard for me to say he’s not in this category when he had less seasons under his belt than Ryan Leaf or JaMarcus Russell. If he’s not the biggest bust, he’s definitely knocking on the door in my opinion.”"
Jeff Olsen:
"“I don’t think you can call him the biggest bust for two reasons. Firs is where he was drafted. There are a lot of guys who were drafted higher who also accomplished nothing in the NFL. The second is because everyone knew this was an issue with him. It’s not like this was some completely unexpected thing where the team was totally blindsided. The Browns took a calculated risk when the drafted Manziel knowing it could all blow up in their face and that’s exactly what happened.”"
He may not be the biggest ever based on expectations but given the hype, the fact the Browns traded up to get him and the utter meteor crash into the ground his career path has taken it’s hard not to put him near the top.