Merril Hoge Explains Viral Debate With Skip Bayless Over Johnny Manziel

A video of Merril Hoge and Skip Bayless debating Johnny Manziel’s draft stock went viral on Twitter this week. 

In the 2014 episode of ESPN's First Take, the pair gave their respective arguments on which round the former Texas A&M quarterback deserved to be taken in; Bayless stated Manziel was deserving of the No. 1 pick while Hoge said he was a fifth- or sixth-round selection. Hoge also said that he would take Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack over free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. 

On Sunday, Hoge responded to the 10-year-old analysis to explain why he was so confident with his opinions—both of which have aged well.

“This is why watching tape is vital to evaluating players and their ability to transition to the NFL,” he said. “No STAT can EVER tell you about a college player’s ability to play in the NFL and no award or championship they won means they can play in the NFL.”

Manziel, taken in the first round by the Browns, flamed out of the league and hasn’t played for an NFL team since 2015. Meanwhile, Mack has put together a more complete career than Clowney, collecting over 40 more sacks and more Pro Bowl appearances.

Hoge is no longer an ESPN analyst, but he still breaks down film in a video series with the Steelers media team,