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Despite being tied to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel for months, the Cleveland Browns are expected to pass on the polarizing quarterback if he’s still available at the number four overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
The door is still hypothetically open for the Browns to take Manziel with their second first round pick (26th overall), but unless they trade up from that spot, they can probably assume he will not be available.
FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer also added that the Oakland Raiders are not considering Manziel one pick later at number six overall, which could start rumors of a potential free fall for the talented passer.
Should Manziel not already be selected among the top three picks, he could fall to the seventh spot, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be the next logical landing spot. However, the Bucs are not in dire need of a passer, while the team right behind them (Vikings) do not appear to be high on the former Aggie.
After Minnesota, the next possible team that could show interest without trading up would be the Tennessee Titans, who are uncertain about the future of Jake Locker with the team. If Manziel isn’t off the board at that point, the St. Louis Rams could be in play with the 13th overall selection. Should Manziel slide past the Rams, as well, he could experience a dramatic slide, one that could even potentially drop him out of the first round, altogether.
While a free fall certainly looks possible on paper, it’s still not very likely. The Houston Texans still kick off the draft with the top overall pick, and are rumored to be at least somewhat interested in making Manziel their top pick. They could also always trade down and select Manziel after acquiring more picks. The St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars at two and three overall would also be realistic options for Manziel.
Only time will tell how the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft will shake out, but if all of the Manziel rumors are any indication, we’re in for one crazy Thursday night.
