2014's Most over hyped players

[kalibane]

So every year we see guys jump way up the draft board (or fall way down) for seemingly inexplicable reasons. I was thinking that maybe people could list their biggest head scratcher in this year's draft. Mine?


Blake Bortles

Every time I hear some supposed QB Guru *cough* Jaws *cough* hype this guy up I come away baffled. The guy went to a small school and played against questionable competition but didn't put up absolutely mind blowing numbers like say Steve McNair. His mechanics are iffy at best. And he doesn't even have that cannon arm (weaker than Manziel's). It almost seems like he went to the top of board based purely on the fact that he's 6'5" 230 but doesn't have cement shoes. I look at this guy and I see a upper middle-class man's Blaine Gabbert.

[Anthony]

So every year we see guys jump way up the draft board (or fall way down) for seemingly inexplicable reasons. I was thinking that maybe people could list their biggest head scratcher in this year's draft. Mine?


Blake Bortles

Every time I hear some supposed QB Guru *cough* Jaws *cough* hype this guy up I come away baffled. The guy went to a small school and played against questionable competition but didn't put up absolutely mind blowing numbers like say Steve McNair. His mechanics are iffy at best. And he doesn't even have that cannon arm (weaker than Manziel's). It almost seems like he went to the top of board based purely on the fact that he's 6'5" 230 but doesn't have cement shoes. I look at this guy and I see a upper middle-class man's Blaine Gabbert.

Hands down Manziel way over hyped and not going to have the impact some think he will, to much maverick in him

[HumanCockroach]

Honestly, I think you can ( insert QB name here) none of them seem to be a top 20. Pick to me. Some I could see as second and third round picks, honestly think three or four will be selected in the first round, but this draft strikes me as a repeat of the Locker/Ponder etc draft, lot of teams reaching, with maybe 1 QB turning into a good starter ( Carr looks to be the best of the bunch IMHO) Bridgewater had the horrid pro day, but based on what I have seen, he has a fairly good shot at being a decent pro as well. I expect Manziel to throw a TON of interceptions in the NFL. He forces balls and under throws receivers regularily, he really has a LOT of work to do, if he is to become a decent NFL QB.

[monkey]

I don't see a single QB I'd take in the first three rounds personally...if this weren't such a QB driven league, not one QB would get drafted in the first or second rounds.
Aside from the QB's, I think quite literally every single highly rated pass rusher in this draft is over hyped. Every one of the top rated pass rushers, from Clowney to you name him, they are all very much over-hyped.
It's so hard to settle on just one player because SO MANY of these guys are badly overrated, but if I had to go with just one player, I think I gotta go with Clowney.

[HumanCockroach]

Not sure there are any projected at the top of the draft that aren't over hyped, but based on the noise about the QB's compared to actual talent level, I feel like that group in general is out of control. Not many top ten picks live up to that hype in general, but based on what I have actually seen, Manziel has "bust" written all over him. I agree with Holmgren. Questionable decisions, horrid mechanics and his long ball lacks accuracy and is frequently under thrown ( and he reaffirmed that at his pro day).

[NorthHawk]

I think Clowney has been overhyped, but he has that freak athleticism that might mean he lives up to it.
Usually players that have that much expectation put upon them have some tough times ahead until they figure it out.
It really depends on the situation he ends up with.

[savvyman]

Agreed on Manziel. He has bust all over him. What I have seen on Youtube is not impressive - he has a weak arm. His physical stature is unimpressive and he is certainly not built to withstand much punishment. And the plays that he makes at the College level will not exist at the Pro level as the athletes in the NFL will kill him when he does that scrambling around.

He should send a thank you note to Russell Wilson for some so called experts to even consider him a top prospect for this draft.

[kalibane]

Actually of the top rated QBs, Manziel has one of the stronger arms. Stronger than Bortles and Bridgewater. Tom "poor man's Jake Locker" Savage, is the only guy in this draft that has a rocket arm. I think Manziel is greatly benefiting from Russell Wilson's success so he definitely has been over hyped but I don't think I'm as worried about him being an outright bust as some of you. Don't expect him to be on RW's level but I think he'll be okay if he's smart enough to avoid hits the way RW and Kaep do.

[savvyman]

Here is a video are some of Manziel's "highlights"

Note the "Floating" effect on most of his throws. Note how several are "completely up for grabs".

And as far as all the plays he makes with his legs? Forget that in the NFL.

"Johnny Football" will one day be known as "Johnny FootBust".

Unless he falls to the second or third round.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jQyR6jYxn4

[HumanCockroach]

Yep, first thing I noticed was how his deep throws hung up, hung up and hung up some more. I PRAY St Louis or Arizona makes the mistake of taking him and making him their future, ET could use an additional 2-4 picks year in and year out. His footwork and mechanics may also be the worst I've seen at that level ( the second thing I noticed). Doesn't mean he can't fix those problems and turn into a good pro, just that if he doesn't he is going to be a "bust" if he is taken early in the draft, he will NEVER live up to those expectations.

[kalibane]

Oh I agree it will depend on which team he lands on but I think that's true for all the QBs. It's also true that Evans bailed him out a lot. But still you can't deny that Nick Saban couldn't figure him out to save his life, even with all that talent on his defense. He also was accurate and threw a high percentage when he did throw from inside the pocket. He will have to be more disciplined for sure but despite his reputation he appears to be a pretty smart guy. I get the feeling that people just want him to be a bust though. I think he'll be decent if he goes to a team with a strong coaching staff.

And there is no way his footwork and mechanics are worse than Tebow or any number of truly non-QBs that we've seen. Come on Cockroach that's a little over the top.

[HumanCockroach]

Oh I agree it will depend on which team he lands on but I think that's true for all the QBs. It's also true that Evans bailed him out a lot. But still you can't deny that Nick Saban couldn't figure him out to save his life, even with all that talent on his defense. He also was accurate and threw a high percentage when he did throw from inside the pocket. He will have to be more disciplined for sure but despite his reputation he appears to be a pretty smart guy. I get the feeling that people just want him to be a bust though. I think he'll be decent if he goes to a team with a strong coaching staff.

And there is no way his footwork and mechanics are worse than Tebow or any number of truly non-QBs that we've seen. Come on Cockroach that's a little over the top.

Don't consider Tebow a QB, even if he does. Tebow is a RB that could throw a football, nothing more. However, Tebow had a slow delivery, and bad arm technique, if you actually spend the time investigating it, his footwork is sound, Manziels isn't, nor is his timing, or his incredibly consistent habit of throwing the ball off his "back foot" while falling away( a problem for his "floating" passes). For All of Tebows faults ( and there are many) he wasn't afraid to stand in and deliver a football, something Manziel hasn't shown.Manziel also continues to throw across his body ( even when NOT needed). Honestly while Tebow fails in numerous regards, his fundamental QB play was better coming out of college than Johnny's is at this point.

Manziel does throw on the run well, but beyond that, he has a lot of "questionable" traits, and I do not believe it translates to the NFL at this point, whether he spends the time getting to that point or not, is on his shoulders. he CAN succeed, not saying he can't, however, if he continues to play the way he did in college at the NFL level, he isn't going to.

[kalibane]

going to have to disagree strongly. Tebow didn't even know how to take a snap from under center (this is documented) much less drop back properly. It's kind of moot I guess because I agree that he was a RB playing QB... I just thought that was an over the top comment. We'll see on Johnny Football I guess. He's probably the most polarizing player in the draft. Most people either love him or hate him. I think I'm one of the only people I know in the middle.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Got to go with Manziel as well, and I couldn't agree more that Wilson's success has teams over valuing Manziel. He might get it together at the next level, but I'm not holding my breath. Makes a fan very content that QB is not an issue going into the draft.

On the bright side, these overhyped players just push other quality players further down, leaving more opportunities for JS to get the best value for #32. I'm central time zone, so I'll be checking in on the results first thing in the morning.

[HumanCockroach]

going to have to disagree strongly. Tebow didn't even know how to take a snap from under center (this is documented) much less drop back properly. It's kind of moot I guess because I agree that he was a RB playing QB... I just thought that was an over the top comment. We'll see on Johnny Football I guess. He's probably the most polarizing player in the draft. Most people either love him or hate him. I think I'm one of the only people I know in the middle.

I don't feel either way, just answering the question as best I can. Would it make you happy if I edit to say the worst mechanics I've seen at that level barring a RB that played QB? LOL.

[monkey]

going to have to disagree strongly. Tebow didn't even know how to take a snap from under center (this is documented) much less drop back properly. It's kind of moot I guess because I agree that he was a RB playing QB... I just thought that was an over the top comment. We'll see on Johnny Football I guess. He's probably the most polarizing player in the draft. Most people either love him or hate him. I think I'm one of the only people I know in the middle.

Count me on that train as well then, I'm very much in the middle on him.
I can see what all the haters dislike about him, I get it...at the same time, I think he's the best QB in this draft.
If, and that's only IF, a team were willing to build their offense around him, much the same way that Seattle has tweaked the offense to fit Wilson's strengths, I could see him making a go of it.
I doubt he'll ever be great, (I doubt he'll ever be even decent), BUT I could see a very slim possibility of him becoming a Fran Tarkenton type of player, IN THE RIGHT SYSTEM.

So yeah, I'm right in the middle on him, I can easily see both sides of the debate, and can easily see how it could play out just about any way you can imagine.

[Futureite]

I think Manziel will be very good. He's tough, ultracompetitive, great pocket presence and throws with accuracy on the run. I think footwork and especially arm mechanics are overrated. The former can be learned and the latter is not nearly as important as some people try to make it when a QB can deliver the ball with accuracy and velosity in his natural throwing motion - and Manziel can do both. I am not willing to call him a franchise QB, but I do believe that he will be good. Seems like my opinion is in the minority.

[curmudgeon]

Johnny Manziel=Todd Marinovich........

[HumanCockroach]

Not surprised in the least to see Johnny sliding. I'm sure he'll be selected in the first by someone, but obviously GM's saw the same things we are discussing....

[RiverDog]

Manziel isn't Tim Tebow. Not even close. No quarterback taken in the first round had worse mechanics than Tim Tebow. None. I don't expect to see another quarterback with even remotely similar mechanical characteristics as Tebow taken that high in a draft during the balance of my lifetime. I agree that Russell Wilson's success made Manziel's resume sellable, but he's not Russell, who was NFL ready when he was taken. Manziel is going to have a longer learning curve.

I don't think he's a guaranteed bust, but I don't think the hype over him is justified, either. But the Browns fans are certainly buying into the hype. I understand that their season ticket requests are going through the roof. Good for them. It just goes to show you how desperate that city is for something that remotely resembles professional football.

[NorthHawk]

The Draft sells hope and for long suffering Browns fans, Manziel is it.
There's no denying he was exciting in college and pretty successful, too so I can't blame them for latching on to Manziel as the savior.
What else can they do?
With the hype however, there will be a QB controversy if Manziel doesn't start fairly early. I wonder how long their FO can hold out and how long will they have to?
I think that will be the key to Manziel's career and learning curve - putting him in when he is ready and not when the fans demand.

[RiverDog]

The Draft sells hope and for long suffering Browns fans, Manziel is it.
There's no denying he was exciting in college and pretty successful, too so I can't blame them for latching on to Manziel as the savior.
What else can they do?
With the hype however, there will be a QB controversy if Manziel doesn't start fairly early. I wonder how long their FO can hold out and how long will they have to?
I think that will be the key to Manziel's career and learning curve - putting him in when he is ready and not when the fans demand.

Yea, that's the problem, especially with all the comparisons to Russell Wilson, who came in under a completely different set of circumstances, ie a team with a solid running game and a top 10 defense that was already considered to be a playoff contender. Despite his size, Russell was an NFL ready quarterback, both mechanically and psychologically. I don't know enough about Manziel's study habits and work ethic to make a good estimate of how well he will be able to prepare himself for a starting role. It's unfortunate that Manziel is going to have to be measured against Russell.

[NorthHawk]

Russell was also smart enough to do exactly what the coaches wanted, and not freelance.
I'm not sure Manziel is disciplined enough to do that. It might result in a large number of turnovers if he lets his instincts take over early in his career.

[Futureite]

The Draft sells hope and for long suffering Browns fans, Manziel is it.
There's no denying he was exciting in college and pretty successful, too so I can't blame them for latching on to Manziel as the savior.
What else can they do?
With the hype however, there will be a QB controversy if Manziel doesn't start fairly early. I wonder how long their FO can hold out and how long will they have to?
I think that will be the key to Manziel's career and learning curve - putting him in when he is ready and not when the fans demand.

Yea, that's the problem, especially with all the comparisons to Russell Wilson, who came in under a completely different set of circumstances, ie a team with a solid running game and a top 10 defense that was already considered to be a playoff contender. Despite his size, Russell was an NFL ready quarterback, both mechanically and psychologically. I don't know enough about Manziel's study habits and work ethic to make a good estimate of how well he will be able to prepare himself for a starting role. It's unfortunate that Manziel is going to have to be measured against Russell.

I think people are comparing the two because they are both of similar stature and each have a knack for extending plays. Reportedly, both are ultra competitive. IMO thos are valid reasons to make the comparisons and there is no reason at face that Manziel cannot be successful too.

The problem, as you said, is that Wilson came aboard a strong coaching staff with an established run game and strong D. Manziel came aboard a team with no run game, problems in the FO and a rookie coach. Again, as you say, the hype surrounding him will press him into action sooner, with higher expectations. That is a problem with a shaky O-line and the potential loss of two starting wrs.

Still, look at the Browns draft. Even in the midst of the Gordon.news they still opted to go corner and O-line. They already had a talented D. These moves tell me they may slowly bring Manziel along and could be committed to a more longterm plan of power football. Manziel could definitely thrive in that environment, making plays when necessary.

IMO Russell was NFL ready because he played in 2 prostyle Os in college at NC state and Wisconsin. He is also a naturaly accurate QB. He was tailor made for what Seattle does. Manziel has a big adjustment coming from a spread run and gun O. He will have to make a lot of adjustments to acclimste to the NFL game. Once he does, I see no reason whatsoever why he cannot be a very good NFL QB.

[Zorn76]

With Manziel, and Bortles for that matter, a lot will be riding on how mentally tough they each are.

Chief among the things I look for in rookie QB's who start right away is composure. How do they handle being #1? How is their decision making, even if their stats may not add up to be anything fantasy football worthy. It's precisely this thing that makes RW so Great - he had a veteran head on rookie shoulders for starters, and now is a SB winning QB.

Wilson also went into a lil better situation though, all things considered. Jacksonville and Cleveland are a MESS right now, with the Browns fresh off the news that their best WR is gonna be suspended for an entire year. Idiot, lol.

I think Bortles, especially, get's killed. He is going to go through shell shock, the likes that may not have been seen since David Carr got crushed on the then expansion Texans in 2002. He isn't mobile enough to escape the horror that will be coming down on him. Between the two, he will have to rely on his mental makeup to survive his rookie season.

Manziel didn't land in heaven, either, but his mobility will help him survive. If I'm Cleveland, I actually give him the green light to run at will. The Browns will need to scrap their way to wins. Don't force him to stay in the pocket.

The bottom line is, while each of these guys are over hyped at the moment, their mental toughness will go a long way in determining if they stay that way.