NFL draft guru: Johnny Manziel 'up there with' Matt Ryan in terms of football smarts

Johnny Manziel will hold a personal pro day at Texas A&M on March 27. (Erich Schlegel for SI)

Over the course of the next month, we will hear plenty about 2014 NFL draft prospect Johnny Manziel. The former Texas A&M star quarterback is one of the most polarizing prospects in this year's class because of his unorthodox playing style and less-than-ideal height, but his confidence and ability to make a play when everything breaks down has intrigued multiple teams.

While many believe Manziel could flop at the next level, well-respected NFL.com analyst and former VP of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys Gil Brandt is a strong supporter of Manziel and believes he has as high of a football IQ as anyone in the 2014 draft class.

If Manziel can demonstrate that he has an understanding of the game that sets him apart from the rest of the class, the possibility that he will be the No. 1 overall pick of the Houston Texans will no doubt improve.