While Cleveland Browns' fans might be panicked, head coach Mike Pettine is not worried about the team's quarterback position. That became very clear when Cleveland opted not to draft a quarterback in this weekend's NFL Draft after all of the hype that surrounded the team heading into the first round. With Marcus Mariota and Sam Bradford now distance memories for Cleveland, are the Browns all-in on Johnny Manziel?
Both Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer have publically voiced their support for Manziel, but most NFL experts speculated the team was preparing to go against that trade for a marquee rookie or veteran during the draft. However, according to Sporting News, the Browns gave the second-year pro a silent endorsement by not drafting anyone. Pettine confirmed that he and Farmer opted to build a complete team, not one that over-prioritized the quarterback spot with Manziel and Josh McCown.
"I don't think we can emphasize it enough that we're going to build a football team," Pettine said, via The Plain Dealer. "We're not going to over-prioritize the quarterback position. We go 11 against 11, we're not just trotting quarterbacks out on the 50-yard line and thumb wrestling. To me there are a lot of different ways to win football games. You just don't force the situation. If we perceive our quarterback group is not the best in the division, what does that mean? Do we call the league and cancel games? You still gotta play."
Heading into voluntary minicamps and eventually training camp, Manziel and McCown will be the two marquee quarterbacks handling the offense. They have the best chance at starting. However, what happens if they struggle? McCown is coming off a bad year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a successful stint as Jay Cutler's backup quarterback in Chicago. Mccown needs to do some major improving and Cleveland does not have the marquee weapons that the Bears did. Manziel is coming off a forgettable rookie season on the field while dealing with multiple issues off the field. Neither quarterback are a homerun hit.
The Browns have options if they get into practices and feel that neither quarterback is a great option for 2015. Several quarterbacks became expendable after the draft. Zach Mettenberger could be traded after the Tennessee Titans acquired Marcus Mariota. Mike Glennon has been being shopped since the NFL scouting combine. That only strengthened with the drafting of Jameis Winston. Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy and Matt Barkley could also be acquired in deals. Cleveland will continue with Manziel and McCown, but Pettine will have to be open to making moves if neither quarterback is improving.
