When Barry Switzer watches Johnny Manziel play, the comparisons that come to mind aren't the usual suspects -- Fran Tarkenton and Doug Flutie. Actually, the comparisons aren't even from the same sport.
In an interview with Grantland.com, Switzer, the former Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys head coach, said the Johnny Football comparisons he favors are a couple of basketball legends: Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.
"I've seen Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson," Switzer said. "Well, let me tell you, Johnny Manziel is the first football player I've seen that can control the game like those guys did basketball. It's unbelievable the numbers that he can put up against the competition game after game after game."
Switzer's comparisons came in response to the question, "If you had to start a team with one player, who would it be?" His choice -- after passing on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who he said is "at the twilight of his career" -- was Manziel.
"I don't like some of his antics. I'm sure Kevin Sumlin didn't either," Switzer said, referring to Texas A&M's head coach. "That all aside, let me tell you, he is a great, great football player. And I predict he'll be drafted within the first five picks if he's not the first pick overall. I bet he'll be No. 1 on a lot of people's board."
NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt would agree with Switzer; Manziel was Brandt's No. 1 draft prospect when his rankings were released last month.
All four of NFL.com's mock drafts -- by NFL Media analysts Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, Charles Davis and Matt "Money" Smith -- have Manziel going No. 3 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars as the first quarterback off the board.
Opinions remain mixed on Manziel's pro potential, but he certainly helped his cause this weekend by being one of the standout performers of the combine.
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