2015 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns 1st Round Picks from 2008 to 2014
2014: QB Johnny Manziel (22nd overall)
Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns’ 2014 22nd overall selection was quarterback Johnathan Paul Manziel. He played college football at Texas A&M and is a current Browns player.
Manziel was Brian Hoyer’s backup to start his rookie season. In his first appearance, against the New Orleans Saints, he did two hand-offs and threw an incomplete pass. His second game was over two months later against the Buffalo Bills, where he made five completions for 63 yards on eight attempts. He got his first touchdown on a 10-yard rush in the same game. Manziel had to wait for his first start until Week 15. The game was a huge disappointment, as Manziel recorded ten pass completions on 18 attempts, threw two interceptions, and got sacked three times. After that, Manziel started in one more game that was similarly disappointing. He was ruled out for the last game with an injury.
Several sources from within the organization called Manziel, who was named “Johnny Football” at Texas A&M, a bust or even a joke. He went into rehab for the 2015 offseason, but is expected to gain a roster spot for the 2016 campaign nonetheless.
What memories do you have of these draft picks? At the time, did you think they were the right picks?