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Is Johnny Manziel about to light the NFL on fire or become Tim Tebow?

(USA TODAY Sports)

(USA TODAY Sports)

There are plenty of reasons Johnny Manziel needed to leave college football behind him. Coming off an absolutely astounding Chick-Fil-A Bowl performance, Manziel’s stock will never be higher. He’s won the Heisman, dominated SEC defenses not once but twice. He’s ready and able. This decision was a no-brainer from the word “bro.”

However, what happens once Johnny Football goes under center in the NFL? He’s an undersized, one-read quarterback. If ever there was a time that an undersized, one-read quarterback, coming from an unconventional type of offense could be successful in the NFL, it’s now (see: Drew Brees and Russell Wilson). That said, Brees struggled early in his career and Wilson has benefited immensely from the mad genius of Pete Carroll.

In 2013, Prediction Machine projected Manziel’s NFL numbers and found that he had the potential to be a serviceable pro quarterback in 2014; completing 57.9% of his attempts for 3,338.6 yards and 22.6 touchdowns against 19.3 interceptions.

More than anything, Manziel needs to find a team capable of leveraging his strengths and protecting his weaknesses. A traditional offense like that of the Ravens or more realistically, the Browns, isn’t going to thrive with Manziel calling the plays. However, on a team like the Buccaneers or even the Bengals (who might be looking for a change), the Heisman winner could have a remarkable career.

Or, he could be Tim Tebow.

Photo: Reddit

(via Reddit)

Prediction Machine ran the exact same algorithm with the former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst and the numbers are virtually identical. There was a litany of problems with Tebow’s NFL career which can be pinned on the player. But the Broncos were the only team willing to play to his strengths and Denver gave up when his limitations became too great.

The question for Manziel will be whether an NFL team is willing to completely cater their offense to a quarterback as unorthodox he is. My guess is he’s going to have to prove he’s capable of sitting in the pocket more often than not. Manziel may even have to swallow his pride and be someone’s backup for a season or two.

Regardless of how he does or where he goes one thing is unmistakably clear. The Johnny Manziel show is coming to the NFL and it’s going to be a blast to watch.

[sigallery id=”b5920325e047c8da7ebec7c047b92646″ title=”Johnny Manziel FTW!” type=’sigallery’]

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