Is Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel the most controversial prospect in the 2014 draft? Many see him as the franchise quarterback the Browns or Texans need, but not all. He's got a couple of high-profile critics, most recently ESPN's Ron Jaworski.
Jaworski told a Philadelphia radio station that he wouldn't take Manziel in the first three rounds. He concedes his review is incomplete; he's only watched five Manziel games. But it's clear he doesn't believe Manziel is a franchise quarterback in the NFL, but more of a hit or miss pick with some bust potential.
Another recent critic of Manziel is NFL.com's Nolan Nawrocki, who used to work for Pro Football Weekly. While with that now-defunct publication, he famously ripped Cam Newton ("fake smile") and also Geno Smith ("marginal work ethic").
His quick take on Manziel sounds a little like his Newton assessment, saying he "carries a sense of entitlement and prima-donna arrogance." He also says Manziel will need to adjust his "hard-partying" lifestyle.
Take those opinions for what they're worth; there will be plenty more between now and the draft. The Jaworski view is most remarkable, since (unlike Nawrocki) he's more known for analysis than controversial, overly negative assessments.
One area where Nawrocki might be correct is in calling Manziel arrogant, since Manziel has already said that the Texans passing on him at No. 1 "would be the worst decision they've ever made." But hey, we were all 21 years old once. Peyton Manning reportedly made the same kind of statement in a pre-draft interview with the Colts, and it turned out he was right.
--Andy Richardson