The three core talents of Texas A&M's dynamic offense -- quarterback Johnny Manziel, wide receiver Mike Evans and offensive tackle Jake Matthews -- won't last more than 10-12 picks in the NFL draft next month, according to NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock.
That's certainly no surprise where Matthews is concerned. He's projected by NFL Media analysts to be gone no later than the No. 6 pick to the Atlanta Falcons.
"The wild card there is Manziel. I do believe with so many quarterback needs in the top 10, he's ultimately going to go somewhere in there," Mayock said on Houston's Sports Talk 790. "... That wide receiver has really picked up a lot of steam. I think he's the second wideout off the board. I don't even think he can get to Pittsburgh at No. 15 or any of those kind of picks."
The 10-12 range is not only ideal for Manziel, it might be what's necessary to prevent him from slipping much farther. The Tennessee Titans are the last club in the top 12 with a need at quarterback, at No. 11. After that, there might not be a club interested in a quarterback until the Arizona Cardinals make the No. 20 pick.
Two more compelling remarks from Mayock in the interview, about Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray and Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas:
On Murray: "He's as accurate as any quarterback in the draft is. ... I really like the kid. I've got to do some more homework on him, because he's kind of changing my perception right now."
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread.*