The Cleveland Browns may consider taking a quarterback with the number two overall pick in the draft after all the off-field drama regarding Johnny Manziel this past season. Prospects like Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch, Carson Wentz or Connor Cook could be potential options depending on who the team hires to be the next head coach.
The Browns have some major decisions to make heading into the offseason, including whether to bring Manziel back and who to hire as the next head coach. Manziel is under contract but had some drama off the field that puts his future is a bit up in the air. The team also has to hire a head coach after firing Mike Pettine and according to ESPN.com, the Browns have already interviewed seven candidates for the job. Some names the team is considering include Matt Patricia, Sean McDermott, Hue Jackson, Teryl Austin and Doug Marrone.
According to Pat McManamon, there "is little buzz that the Browns are close to a hire," but that could be partially because they want to hire a coach that has their team still in the playoffs. Jackson has come up as a top candidate for teams and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns are planning to make a "big push" to bring in Jackson. The Bengals are out of the playoffs so the team can go after Jackson, who reportedly could also be a target for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
Whoever the Browns bring in as head coach is going to have to make a decision on the quarterback position regarding Manziel. Manziel could be released or traded in the offseason after dealing with some off the field issues, including partying and missing some team meetings towards the end of the season. Even if Manziel returns, the Browns may still draft a quarterback this year, as the team has the number two overall pick and could consider taking a QB with the selection.
Manziel reportedly did not show up for a team medical check-up at the end of the season and reports had the quarterback previously partying in Las Vegas before that happened. Manziel later was reported to be with the team the following week, but those issues could force the Browns to consider making a move. According to Yahoo Sports, Charles Robinson reports that sources said that Manziel would "love" to end up with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Browns may consider making a move with Manziel if they draft a quarterback in April and according to Dane Brugler at NFLDraftScout.com, there is a good chance the team will do that. Brugler writes that he predicts that Jared Goff will be the pick for the Browns with the number two overall selection. Players like Lynch and Wentz are also considered to be first round talents, but Goff is looked at buy scouts as a "can't miss" prospect and could be the main target for Cleveland.