Mike Zimmer, who was the no-nonsense defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals for the past six seasons, is now the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. With his new team potentially needing a quarterback, he has understandably been interested in gathering as much information about Johnny Manziel (a potential Browns target as well).
And what has Zimmer learned so far? That he still doesn't know enough.
"Is he going to conform to typically what the NFL is or what everyone else has done before him including what the great players in the game have done before him, or is he going to try to be the celebrity man guy that he was maybe a year-and-a-half ago?" Zimmer asked during a call to Austin radio station 104.9 The Horn (via CoachingSearch.com).
This concern apparently rose from Manziel's choice to perform in helmet and shoulder pads for his Pro Day last week.
Zimmer, whose team picks eighth in the May draft, went on to explain he has questions about Manziel's work ethic and passion for the game, two things that are essential to success as an NFL quarterback.
"That position has got to be a position that really eats, breaths, and sleeps football where he is going to take it upon his shoulders to win," Zimmer said. "At least the Peyton Manning's, Drew Brees' of the world have done that and really that all we have to go on in the NFL is past history."
