NFL Execs: Johnny Manziel's 'Potential Is off the Charts' Amid Comeback Attempt

NFL executives reportedly think Johnny Manziel's potential is "off the charts," according to B/R's Mike Freeman, as the quarterback attempts to make an NFL comeback.

Freeman added:

Manziel participated in The Spring League on Saturday, finishing 9-of-15 for 82 yards and a touchdown. He was also sacked three times. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback played about half of the game, the first of two in the Spring League, a developmental league for NFL hopefuls.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com said he spoke to a number of scouts from the NFL and CFL about what they were seeing from Manziel, and the consensus seemed to be that he was "attentive and interactive." Spring League head of operations Terry Shea, who has coached many NFL quarterbacks, said Manziel was asking the right questions. 

"We'll introduce him to, say, a play where a quarterback can go to the line of scrimmage and have a 'check with me' to one run or another. And then he'll say, 'Coach, I understand doing it that way, but would you ever consider it this way instead, and here's why?'" Shea said. "He's not challenging. He's inquiring, and that shows me an active and engaged mind."

Shea also believes Manziel has an NFL future.

"My bottom line is that there is no doubt in my mind that someone should sign him," he noted. "I've seen enough of the quarterback skill. His endurance has not been an issue. I've never been around Johnny Manziel until this moment in time, but I see a very quick arm. I see very active eyes. He sees things and particularly when he's on the move, those classic Johnny Manziel plays, I've seen those come up here."

B/R's Mike Tanier tried to put Manziel's showing in context, however: 

But Seifert reported that 17 NFL teams have been in attendance for the league's practices, and they saw a number of nice plays from Manziel:

It's unclear if Manziel will catch on with an NFL team, but if he doesn't, he'll likely continue his career with the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who Seifert reported "covet" Manziel. Regardless, it appears Johnny Football will be on the field next season.