Quotable: Vance Bedford says Johnny Manziel ‘Will have to learn how to be a QB’
Vance Bedford thinks Johnny Manziel has a lot to learn to make it in the NFL.
Sean Gardner
- Vance Bedford, Texas DC
Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Vance Bedford elected to weigh in on former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel on Monday. Bedford took to Twitter to say, in so many words, that Manziel has a lot to work on to transition to the next level. Now that is true in every sense, but it wasn’t quite the message as the way it’s conveyed:
Manziel is a top 10 pick by the scouts. I wish him the best. He played backyard ball for 3 years. Now he will have to learn how to be a Qb
— Vance Bedford (@CoachBedfordUT) May 5, 2014 It’s more the final part that some have taken issue with. Manziel is widely considered to be one of the top quarterbacks in this class who can go as high as the first overall pick come draft day. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to work on things, it just seems to imply that everything he’s done to this point is meaningless. Bedford followed it up by suggesting he was primarily talking about the fact that Manziel was running a spread offense in college.
“The kid didn’t do anything wrong. He was doing what the doctor told him to do.”
- Joe Linta, Agent
Former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger had a diluted drug sample at the NFL Scouting Combine. On Monday, Mettenberger's agent, Joe Linta, defended his client, as reported by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Linta said that Mettenberger's sample did not come up with any illegal substances, and that Mettenberger was following orders from doctors as part of his recovery from surgery.
"The kid didn't go anything wrong," Linta said, explaining that Mettenberger was encouraged to increase his potassium levels and to drink "excessive amounts of water." Mettenberger was reportedly experiencing severe cramping, which is where the recommendations came from. Mettenberger is considered one of the better quarterbacks coming out this year and should have his name called in the first few rounds of the NFL Draft.
“I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches and Panthers fans for the effect of my mistake on the team.”
- Frank Alexander, Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander was suspended for four games for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. On Monday, Alexander released a statement through the NFL Players Association with an apology, as reported by Pro Football Talk.
“I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance that is banned by the NFL,” Alexander said in the statement. “The NFL policy is strict, and I have chosen to take responsibility.” He then apologized to his teammates, coaches and Panthers fans. He said that he will “continue to work extremely hard in all team workouts, training camp and the preseason with my team.”
“His presence also takes some pressure off the Patriots from needing to select a pass rusher early in Thursday’s draft.”
- Greg Knopping, Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots signed defensive end Will Smith on Monday. Smith, a 10-year veteran who spent his entire career to this point with the New Orleans Saints, missed all of the regular season in 2013 due to injuries. Smith has been a very productive player throughout his career, but his ACL tear in training camp last year means he's a huge question mark. Fortunately, the Patriots don't have a huge need at the defensive end position, so Smith can rotate in and contribute as a pass rusher.
“The Rams’ outward commitment to Bradford does seem to suggest they at least plan on giving him one more shot.”
- Ryan Van Bibber, Turf Show Times
The St. Louis Rams could wind up drafting quarterback Johnny Manziel when the 2014 NFL Draft rolls around. But that begs the question: what's going to happen with Sam Bradford? He's had a few solid seasons in the NFL, but hasn't really amounted to much, and hasn't been able to win games consistently for the Rams. On Monday, reports suggested that the Rams are exploring potentially trading Bradford away.
As to potential partners, the Minnesota Vikings are named as a team with interest. This would hinge on the Rams drafting a quarterback they believe in, like Manziel. Unfortunately, getting another team to take on Bradford's contract, which includes $17.6 million this season and $16.58 million the following year, seems like a tall order. Bradford's deal was prior to the rookie wage scale being put in place.
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