Apparently, any concerns of Johnny Manziel's celebrity reputation have fallen on deaf ears of those in charge with the Oakland Raiders. The quarterback paid a two-day visit to the team and left a strong impression on both general manager Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen. Despite already having a quarterback in Matt Schaub, could Manziel be the future face of the franchise?
The Raiders were one of Manziel's first stops before the NFL Draft in May. He is still set to visit the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans as part of his pre-draft process. According the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Raiders were extremely impressed with what Manziel brought to their two-day visit. The team reported the quarterback as a "good and humble kid." Despite rumors of a bad reputation, especially after the media circus that took place on his NFL Pro Day, Manziel and the Raiders appeared to really hit it off.
Oakland will make their first pick at No. 5 baring any kinds of trades. That may or may not be too late for Manziel. The jury is still out on whether or not the Houston Texans make him the top draft pick or whether they trade down or select Jadeveon Clowney. If they pass on him, the Raiders might get lucky and have Manziel drop right into their lap. According to the Contra Costa Times, McKenzie is not interested in trading up, so if the quarterback is not available at No. 5, they will take someone else.
If Manziel is gone, Derek Carr could be the team's top pick. The Fresno Bee reports the Raiders are very high on Carr and could be more inclined to trade down for the Fresno State quarterback in order to acquire more picks. NFL experts have been praising Carr as possibly the best quarterback in the draft and the one receiving the smallest amount of attention.
Allen's plan right now is to have Schaub start for the next few seasons while the team grooms their next quarterback, someone likely taken in this year's draft. That leaves a big question mark on the futures of both Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin. Both quarterbacks are on the roster currently, but only one will likely make it to training camp. The Raiders have confirmed Pryor is ready to move on and they could easily grant him that wish if Carr or Manziel gets drafted by them.
