Things are already heating up in anticipation of the 2014 NFL Draft, and today one expert is making a bold prediction.

NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that the Houston Texans will select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel with the No. 1 overall pick, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Kiper recently released his first “mock draft” for the 2014 NFL draft. Many analysts believe that Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be the first quarterback taken in the draft, so Kiper’s prediction will undoubtedly stir up some heated debates.

But things get even more interesting.

He predicts Central Florida’s Blake Bortles to go in front of who many believe to be the best quarterback in the draft, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. Kiper has Bortles slotted to go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4, and Bridgewater falling all the way to No. 8 to the Minnesota Vikings, according to Philly.com

Kiper has been covering the NFL Draft for 30 years, and is well-respected by viewers and NFL personnel. His mock draft’s change throughout the months leading up to the draft, so his prediction could change in the coming months.

There is no doubt that Manziel has showed talent on the field with his Houdini-esque escapability, and his ankle-breaking runs, but how will his skill set translate to the NFL? He is undersized at 6’0” tall and only 208 lbs (soaking wet with a backpack full of bricks), and many believe his style of play is not suited for today’s NFL.

Who do you think should be the first quarterback selected? Feel free to post your thoughts or comments below.

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