Johnny Manziel's skill set "does not transition" to the NFL, and drafting him high is "a big, big risk."
That's the analysis of ESPN's Merril Hoge, who minced no words when he discussed Manziel Wednesday on "SportsCenter."
"I see bust written all over him," Hoge said. "Especially if he's drafted in the first round."
Manziel is considered among the three best quarterbacks in this year's draft. He, Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater are projected to go in the first round -- though when it comes to quarterback predicting, it's getting tougher and tougher.
Hoge has been breaking down film and video for years for ESPN, including regularly with Ron Jaworski. Unlike some, neither make comments for effect. They do so honestly. Among NFL folks, Hoge is one of the more respected analysts. Hoge's issue with Manziel is his propensity to leave the pocket, and the risks that brings in the NFL against bigger, stronger defenders.
"He has absolutely no instinct or feel for pocket awareness," Hoge said. "He has an instinct to run. That's a bad instinct if you're going to have that in the National Football League. You have to play in the pocket with traffic around you and throw it. When traffic comes around him he runs, and that’s dangerous in the National Football League."
Hoge continued.
"(Manziel's) skill set does not transition to the National Football League," he said, "and it's a big, big risk."
Manziel no doubt will continue to be among the most discussed players in this draft.