After Johnny Manziel shredded the University of Alabama's defense again, only this time in a loss, Nick Saban was asked if the polarizing quarterback is a viable NFL prospect, he said yes.

Talking to Sports Illustrated's Greg Bedard after the Crimson Tide defeated the Texas A&M Aggies Saturday, Saban likened him to some young and successful NFL quarterbacks today.

"I think Johnny's a unique player," he said. "Many people have said about these guys, like [Robert Griffin III], that they're not really NFL-style quarterbacks. But yet they're all doing pretty well in the NFL."

In comparing him to Griffin, Saban made an unspoken reference to numerous NFL quarterbacks who run a college-style read-option at the pro level. The 49ers' Colin Kaepernick and the Seahawk's Russell Wilson also represent a growing trend in mobile quarterbacks in the NFL.

"I think when somebody's as instinctive as [Manziel] is, and as fast as he is, and as athletic as he is, and he's developing into a pretty good passer-I mean last year he really developed as a passer - I do think he has an NFL future," said Saban.

Nick Saban does not often see an opposing offensive threat burn his Alabama defense twice, especially not in back-to-back years and especially not worse the second time than the first. That is what Manziel did.

On Nov. 10, 2012, Manziel threw for 253 yards and ran for 92 in a win in Alabama. Saturday, he threw for 464 and ran for 98 in a loss at home. Despite winning a hugely anticipated grudge match, Saban looked defeated and could be heard by CBS' on-field microphones telling A&M coach Kevin Sumlin "you took ten years off my life."

Former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage echoed what Saban said about Manziel's passing, a chief concern in taking his game pro. Some scouts were worried about his lack of arm strength and eagerness to leave the pocket.

However, Savage said his passes against Alabama were down the field, on target and catchable.

Manziel also has his conference working in his favor. The Crimson Tide defense has been churning out NFL prospects on defense ever since Saban took over and Manziel made them look like Louisiana Tech, the only game in which Manziel had more total yards. The SEC is widely considered the toughest division in college football and seems to produce either a national champion or Heisman contender every single year.

Manziel has a lot to work on, specifically his pocket presence. Wilson, Griffin and Kaepernick are all terrific throwers of the football and, if Manziel wishes to succeed, he will need to become one as well.

Also at issue is his character. With the spotlight intensified at the pro level and, especially if he ends up in a big market city, his every move will be scrutinized.

Manziel is a third year sophomore and will be eligible for the NFL Draft in May, but according to some scouts, he still has more impressing to do.