2001 NFL Draft 1st Rd. (plus 1) QB Comps: Should Johnny Manziel Sit This Year?

May 21, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass as quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) looks on during organized team activities at Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Data Summary

With only 1 QB in the draft we added a second in Brees. Both Vick and Brees started during their rookie year, though very limited for Brees, and both had decent first 3 seasons and successful careers in the NFL. A 1.0 and 3.0 will be added to the Rookie Year data for QBs who started their rookie season while a 2.0 and 3.0 go into the 3 year category with a 3.0 and 4.0 added to the career one.

Analysis

The 2001 Draft with Brees and Vick will provide some ammo and data for those who think Manziel should start this year. Vick is such a easy comparison player to Manziel especially when it comes to body size and injury concerns. It doesn’t mean Manziel will get hurt as often but their style of play is similar with a similar body type. Whether he starts his rookie year or not may not impact that, though an extra year of NFL diet and training could only help while not getting beat up on Sundays. In a perfect world Manziel would become the cominbation of Brees and Vick. All 3 are shorter but if Manziel can develop Brees’ ability to read defenses and make decisions, to go along with his running ability, not in the same class as Vick but just as unique. The Browns could then have the ultimate Dual Threat QB.

Does Vick and Brees’ career arcs create optimism or pessimism regarding Manziel?