Most incoming NFL quarterbacks are looking for an opportunity in the league. That's the name of the game is to make a final 53-man roster and thrive. For Johnny Manziel, going from Heisman winner to NFL bust wasn't the best route.
Now, he's mentoring the current NFL Draft eligible signal-caller most like him.
Diego Pavia told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday that he’s getting advice from Manziel. The news might explain how he's approached the lead up to the draft.
“(Manziel is) giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process,” Pavia said. “And, you know, he’s given me some good advice, for sure. And he always reaches out, too, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he just, like, he’s just a friend to me, you know? And so he’s giving me some mentorship. He’s been around me, he’s been around my family. He’s just a great person for those that really don’t know him.”
What many would consider a red flag, Pavia is turning into his own positive experience.
Manziel's history is no secret. At Texas A&M, he was one of the most exciting players in college football history. And in a lot of ways, Pavia plays with the same energy. But the former Aggie got caught up in the hype and didn't take the step to the next level seriously. He wasn't ready to be a franchise passer and perhaps has learned from his mistakes.
However, the fact is that he largely failed to live up to expectations. Pavia has the opportunity to learn from those who came before him. But will he do what's necessary in the NFL? If not, this could be history repeated with the Vandy QB getting bounced harder than Manziel.
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"One thing about me is I don't care what people think about me," Pavia added.
"Regardless, Pavia’s draft stock is much lower than Manziel’s was. There’s a chance Pavia will go undrafted. Which means that, when he gets a chance to climb from the 90-man roster to the final 53, he’ll need to do something Manziel never did — work his ass off," NBC Sports' Mike Florio said about Pavia's situation.
For now, Pavia's best hope is that Manziel can steer him in the right direction. Unlike the route he took 12 years ago.
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