Jeff Garcia Sounds Off on Johnny Manziel, Mike Glennon, Buccaneers’ QB Situation
By Leo Howell
Nov 30, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri defeated Texas A&M 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have plenty of questions this offseason at the quarterback position, as Mike Glennon performed admirably at times, and questionably at others. The draft holds several attractive options at QB, and many fans believe the Buccaneers should spend an early pick on the right quarterback, myself included.
Former Bucs QB Jeff Garcia doesn’t agree.
Garcia’s support for Glennon is based on his future as much as his past, and that’s something we’ve discussed on the site previously. Jeff Tedford’s coaching and scheme may help Mike Glennon more than experience or a full offseason as the starter.
Also, Garcia’s suggestion for a quarterback like Fales in the middle rounds is realistic, as it has been general manager Jason Licht’s preference to stock up on quarterbacks, especially through the draft.
But what if the Buccaneers ignore Garcia’s advice and take a quarterback in the first round? Garcia says there’s one popular target he’d avoid.
In other words, Jeff Garcia has lots of questions about a player who compares favorably to himself as an NFL prospect. Many analysts say that Manziel could prove to be a Jeff Garcia-type of quarterback, so it’s interesting to hear Garcia’s take on the Texas A&M prospect.
In our draft profile of Manziel, we shared many of the same concerns. He thrived on chaos, and didn’t seem to have all of the tools needed to step in and play quarterback on day one in the NFL.
Many Buccaneer fans spent Saturdays this past fall watching SEC football and watching in amazement as Manziel put on a show with his arm and legs. But as Garcia points out, he’ll face a totally different monster in the NFL against real defenses.
What are your thoughts on Johnny Manziel as a prospect? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.