Johnny Manziel has completed his visit to One Buccaneer Place.
Manziel, the Texas A&M quarterback who is regarded by many as a top-10 pick in May's draft, was invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' headquarters as one of the team's 30 allotted pre-draft visitors. Though these visits are private, the Buccaneers have confirmed several reported prospect meetings this week, as they did on Thursday with Manziel. Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was at One Buc Place on Monday and Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo followed on Tuesday.
The 2014 NFL Draft begins on the evening of Thursday, May 8, and the Buccaneers are currently slated to pick seventh in the first round. Since the end of the 2013 college season, NFL teams have stepped through a series of stages in their draft preparations, from all-star games in January to the Scouting Combine in February to All-Pro Days on college campuses in March and now to on-site visits from various prospects. These visits allow teams to hold meetings between coaches and prospects, gather additional medical information and just generally get to know the players better. They do not include on-field workouts.
The first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, in 2012, Manziel declared for the draft after another outstanding season in 2013. In two years at the helm of the Aggies' offense, he completed 595 of 863 passes (68.9%) for 7,820 yards, 63 touchdowns, 22 interceptions and a passer rating of 164.1. Also a gifted runner, Manziel picked up an additional 2,169 yards and 30 touchdowns with his legs.
