Two more teams have officially ended their seasons and are setting their sights on the NFL Draft. With combine coming up in the next few months, teams with top picks have already started their scouting work. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has officially released his first official mock draft and quarterback Johnny Manziel's stock is increasing by the day.
Several teams selecting in the first ten picks need a quarterback. They can certainly go about that in many ways, either addressing the need via the draft, trade or free agency. While the Houston Texans begin their search for the next possible franchise quarterback, the Cleveland Browns are starting their's and Manziel is at the top of the list.
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports the Browns want Manziel even if it means making a trade to get him. The Browns have tried this move before. The team attempted to put together a deal to move up and draft Robert Griffin III, but that failed. After working through two seasons of Brandon Weeden, owner Jimmy Haslam is committed to getting the biggest playmaker in the draft and he deems that person to be Manziel.
As of now, the Browns have the No. 4 pick overall and the No. 26 pick after trading Trent Richardson during the 2013 season. The team has leverage to get the top pick. Houston, St. Louis and Jacksonville all draft before Cleveland. The Texans like what they see in Manziel, but have also been linked to a possible trade for Patriots backup Ryan Mallett. The Rams will not draft a quarterback. The Jaguars could. The Browns must be smart about this considering their recent history with failed draft days and "franchise" quarterbacks.
The Browns could easily be creating a smokescreen to drive up the interest in Manziel. The quarterback's stock is high after a successful ending to the Texas A&M season and a top spot on the first mock. Teams are taking a very close look. Teddy Bridgewater is waiting in the wings. Cleveland might desire the Louisville standout and are just using their interest in Manziel to start conversation.
The reporting indicates the Browns are doing everything they can to stir some excitement in Cleveland. The team's current search for a head coach is not going well as plenty of coordinators appear not as interested as assumed. Right now, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn are at the top of the list. Neither will address the rumors for another two weeks after the Super Bowl. The Browns need something.
The Browns are willing to express their desire to take a few risks with or without a head coach. The job might appear more enticing with a better quarterback lined up.
