In perhaps the most highly-anticipated Pro Day in NFL history, Johnny Manziel delivered a solid performance, completing over 60 passes to six different receivers. Just two throws were incomplete and one was caught out of bounds during the workout held at Texas A&M's indoor practice facility.
"I felt like it was good," Manziel said afterwards. "Obviously (I) was going for perfection so when a couple of balls hit the ground, one that was on me and another that was a little bit high. Overall, I thought it was really good. Got to give a lot of credit to the six guys who ran their hearts out for me and went after some balls and really helped me out. For me, I had a blast doing it. I think each and every one of us did."
George Whitfield, Manziel's private quarterback coach, helped draw up the script of plays for Thursday's Pro Day. Manziel took snaps from under center and impressed most of the national media present. Mike Mayock of NFL Network called Manziel the most unique player he has seen in a decade, referring to Thursday's workout as "exceptional."
"I thought George did a great job of setting up the script," Mayock said. "It highlighted everything he does well. I would have liked to have seen a little more of those 18-yard comebacks. If Houston works him out, they are going to make him do Houston's throws, not his. So, when he does private workouts, it won't be a script and team will ask him to make throws and, trust me, he can make every throw."
The media frenzy surrounding "Johnny Day" only heightened expectations for the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who ran through drills in front President George H.W. Bush, national media, 75 NFL representatives from 30 teams, eight head coaches, and eight general managers. Manziel, donning a helmet and shoulder pads while playing to a soundtrack of artists like Drake, did not disappoint.
"It was different, entertaining, but for Johnny Manziel, it was productive," former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb of Fox Sports 1 said. "I think he answered all the questions out there. What he showed out there was that he could be accurate in the intermediate passing game. He showed downfield throws, moving in the pocket. We know that he can create plays with his legs, but for an opportunity like today, to come out with the pressure on his shoulders, I think he answered the bell."
After his workout, Manziel answered questions from the media before meeting with teams. The Texans were among those that met with Manziel afterwards, though they did not work him out. Houston also plans to bring Manziel to Houston for a visit, according to general manager Rick Smith.
