My absenteeism from the draft process this season has been purposeful and very tough. I haven’t scoured through the Draft Breakdown videos as I normally do. That said, I haven’t been a dormant watcher of the game and think I’ve come up with some solid opinions on many of the players this season.

Five Things I Think, I Think

1. I say my peace on John Football

John Football has been getting a lot of buzz and we can expect that will continue going forward. His latest ranting about the regrets of Houston and winning the Browns a Super Bowl were priceless. Many don’t believe Johnny is capable of backing up these statements – what you will come to find out is that I don’t reside in that camp.

As many of you know, I’m an astute observer of the quarterback position having played and coached the position at different levels. When I watch Manziel, it goes against my grain to fall in love with someone as reckless with the ball as he is. I’ve spent years preaching ball security and the value of not turning the ball over – all for it to come crashing down with my Manziel evaluation.

Look, it’s important to take care of the football but some guys knack for making plays supersede my need to controlling offensive touches. Manziel is that rare guy that I throw caution to the wind on.

The great ones have an “it” factor to them. It’s something that you can’t describe but a feeling that this person was put on this planet to play this game. Johnny Manziel is that guy for me. His throws off balance, into coverage, and running around recklessly are superseded by my belief that he’s going to be a star in the league.

2. Lamarcus Joyner will disappoint in Indianapolis but not on the field

Joyner figures to check in at the 5-foot-8, maybe 5’7” range and won’t weigh over 195 pounds. Those numbers aren’t going to win him any NFL beauty contests.

Aside from the measurements, don’t expect Joyner to blaze the 40 or test off the charts in any one particular area. There are many draft analysts out there drastically underrating Joyner as we speak and it will continue as he measures and test in Indianapolis.

All that accounted for, when I watch Joyner play I can’t help but be impressed. If I didn’t know his size I would never guess it. He plays fearlessly, bordering on reckless at times – but in a good way. Joyner could be in trouble in scout’s books because he really doesn’t have a position. Is he is nickel corner or can he play the backend? Those are answers that I don’t have and frankly don’t care about.

A few guys in my time evaluating players have transcended the positional outlook and Joyner is one of them. Take him and worry about where he fits later.

3. Josh Huff could be the guy I regret this year

Every year there is one player that catches my eye and I end up underrating them. This year, I think its Josh Huff. Huff currently sits at 62 on my top 75 board – due to come out next week. When I watch him I can’t help but think he’s everything I thought Greg Little was going to be.

A solid build with plenty of speed and runs like a running back in the open field. I can vividly remember thinking that if Greg Little could catch with more consistency and stay out of his own way, he’d be a star in the NFL. Thus far, he hasn’t done that and he’s been a disappointment.

Huff comes in with fewer question marks than Little and I’m left wondering why I don’t have him at least in my top 50. This will remain a head scratcher for me and it’s my most likely evaluation to change…if I don’t I think I’ll be destined to regret it.

4. Lead Pipe Lock

This probably shouldn’t fall into the I Think, I Think category but what the hell. The past couple of years I’ve issued my ‘lead pipe locks’ for success in the NFL. Former LPL winners were Russell Wilson and Lavonte David. Last year the award went to Markus Wheaton, I’ll hold off on my celebration on that one for another year.

The only criteria is that it’s someone who’s outside of the consensus top 32. With this in mind, the 2014 LPL goes to Carl Bradford, OLB, Arizona State. Congratulations Carl.

Bradford is a guy that I think is drastically underrated at this point – that could change after Indianapolis. That said, I don’t envision him being a round one guy, making him a cinch for the award. Runner-up this season went to Jared Abbrederis.

5. Bill O’Brien is going to love him some Teddy B

I’ve professed my love on John Football and spoke of his pending greatness, yet he’s not my top QB in this draft. Huh.

That honor has always went to Teddy Bridgewater. I know he’s too lean, his hands are too small, and he’s going to melt in the snow. Hence why throwing him in Reliant Stadium under the tutelage of Bill O’Brien is a great fit all around.

If Houston doesn’t trade for Brian Hoyer – I Think, I Know they’ve called about him – or make a run at another veteran, this pick is all QB. Teddy ‘Ballgame’ Bridgewater may be best suited to take Houston back to the days of contenders.

It’s mock draft time – with a bonus second round just for fun.