By David Kenyon
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys passed up on Johnny Manziel in the 2014 NFL Draft, but the famous owner still believes in the backup quarterback.
According to Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository, Jones acknowledged on his radio show that the Cowboys might not get a chance to select a franchise quarterback in the 2016 draft unless “a great one” like Ben Roethlisberger or Johnny Manziel falls to the team.
That’s, uh, quite the comparison.
Roethlisberger, who the Pittsburgh Steelers selected 11th overall in 2004, is safely on the second tier of NFL quarterbacks, if not the top level. Whenever he’s healthy—which has been an issue in 2015—Pittsburgh showcases one of the league’s most dynamic offenses because of Big Ben’s ability.
Conversely, Manziel is a potential-filled gunslinger who has received limited game action since Cleveland took him 22nd overall out of Texas A&M two years ago.
Jones is known for spouting nonsense, but he made a couple excellent points.
He said Manziel was high on Dallas’ draft board of available prospects at No. 16. Whether or not you agree with that scouting isn’t important. It is what it is.
Jones added that hindsight is easy because of how Manziel’s career has unfolded. Nevertheless, the Cowboys instead chose Zack Martin, an offensive lineman who has blossomed into an elite guard.
Plus, the Cowboys are—wisely—committed to Tony Romo, and Manziel probably wouldn’t have gained the starting role at any point during his rookie contract. Wouldn’t the free agent eventually want to sign elsewhere?
Dallas should have no regrets with how its 2014 draft unfolded. Perhaps Jones will manage to bring Manziel back to Texas and give the dual-threat quarterback to show if he’s truly a great one.
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