Cleveland Browns Johnny Manziel: Buy or Sell

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Browns won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

What do we make of Johnny Manziel after just one season? Well, in today’s NFL if you don’t make a good first impression your future is very much in jeopardy. Teams want results, and they want them fast.

The most insightful person in the sports media – in my opinion – is ESPN’s Colin Cowherd. He’s described Manziel as an entitled frat boy. I would agree. Cowherd has also pointed out that Manziel’s small stature and less than stellar arm doesn’t bode well for the division and team he plays for. I would agree once again.

During draft time I got a lot of heat for predicting that Marcus Mariota would be a bust, and my reasoning was outlandish to many. I talked about body language, and how Mariota seemed nervous when talking in front of the media. I questioned whether he could handle large crowds, and command a huddle and organization. Being a quarterback is just a different animal than any other position.

The biggest question I think the Browns are asking themselves is whether Manziel is a grown-up yet. I would say he’s making strides – considering how he checked himself into rehab this offseason, and his renouncing of the money sign – but there is still work to be done.

Unfortunately for Manziel, the Browns stability as an organization worries me. Their high turnover rate of coaching changes makes me wonder if this Manziel thing will ever work. Head coach Mike Pettine never seemed to be completely on board with Manziel from day one. To many, it looked like an attention grab more than anything else to boost fan moral and jersey sales.

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This reeks of the Robert Griffin III situation with Mike Shanahan and the Washington Redskins. Shanahan was never on board with the drafting of Griffin III, and it never seemed like he was one of “his” guys.

I don’t think Manziel will ever have Pettine’s support, and Pettine will never be a true believer in his style. Many believed that if Russell Wilson could have success with his playing style, so could Johnny. Well, Wilson is a more cerebral player than Manziel both on and off the field, while being built much thicker in size as well.

Manziel’s game replicates a chicken with it’s head cut off. It’s reckless and unpredictable. At the end of the day, I’m not sure if anyone is sold on it. Including his own teammates. Without support I think his career flounders, and all the hype surrounding him never fully fulfills itself.

Buy or Sell: Sell

Do you think Johnny Manziel can still turn his career around?

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