The Minnesota Vikings had some concerns regarding Johnny Manziel prior to his Pro Day and have even more afterwards. While the former Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner certainly wowed peopled at his Nike-sponsored Pro Day where everyone from a former president to the Texas governor showed up, he was also met with much criticism. After ripping the media "circus" that surrounded the workout, head coach Mike Zimmer is voicing his concerns over the potential top draft pick.
Every team in need of a starting quarterback is being told Manziel is the best available, but the Vikings might not be listening. Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner met with Manziel after his workout and held a dinner for upcoming rookie in order to get a better feel for the type of person he is. After slamming his Pro Day as a sideshow, Zimmer is noting there are red flags concerning Manziel and his character.
"We asked him all kinds of questions. ... There are some flags that come up. All of the things that happened out in Los Angeles, the commercials and all that stuff; the position of quarterback in the NFL is such an important position and the reason these guys need to be a totally football-minded guy is the pressure of the position and being the face of an NFL team and doing everything right," Zimmer said, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "That's the thing you want to know about him - will he be into work early every single day? Will be the last to leave? Will he be the guy that is working the hardest to get better?"
Zimmer is not doubting the talent Manziel has, but he is questioning how much of a leader he can be. Manziel certainly proved he possesses the playmaking ability, but Zimmer appears to be favoring leadership over breakout abilities.
"That's the thing you want to know about him: Will he be into work early every single day? Will be the last to leave? Will he be the guy that is working the hardest to get better?"
Minnesota holds the No. 8 overall draft pick. With Matt Cassel re-signed for the future, the rush to draft a quarterback in the first round is not there. But, there is a very real possibility that Manziel is still available when the Vikings are set to draft. Do they pass up on the star in favor of someone like Tajh Boyd or AJ McCarron in a later round? Turner has certainly praised both later-round options.
Zimmer wants a quarterback like Peyton Manning or Drew Brees who will do nothing, but think about football. With all of the off-the-field spotlights shining on Manziel, he might not be that guy.
