In stunning, shocking, totally unexpected news, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and wide receiver Mike Evans will enter the 2014 NFL Draft, according to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt.
Both players accomplished all they could in college, to say the least. In two seasons, Manziel threw for 59 touchdowns and 22 interceptions with 29 rushing touchdowns. While his rushing numbers were down in 2013, Manziel stayed about the same as a passer this season: In 2012, Manziel completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,706 yards and a 26/9 TD/INT ratio; in 2013 he completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,732 yards and a 33/13 TD/INT ratio.
Still, those are elite numbers. Whether Manziel can translate his somewhat reckless play to the NFL level is another story, though he’ll be fascinating to follow at the next level. Still, he’s projected as a top five pick in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft.
Evans caught 147 passes for 2,427 yards with 17 touchdowns in two seasons at College Station. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound wideout appears a first-round lock as well.
The last chance you’ll get to see the duo at the collegiate level will be tomorrow night against Duke in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Duke enters the game with the No. 71 passing defense among FBS teams, allowing 233.2 yards through the air per game.