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5 do-overs of the Johnny Manziel selection in 2014

By Steven Kubitza

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the ball against the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the ball against the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

By trading down and selecting Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick, the Browns once again passed up on some great wide receivers. Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, and Odell Beckham Jr. could all be members of the Cleveland Browns, but management decided (for some insane reason) to go in a different direction.

When Manziel was selected, there was still another top receiving talent on the board in Kelvin Benjamin. He shined at Florida State and was selected 28th overall by the Carolina Panthers.

Isn’t it crazy that the top teams in the league always seem to draft great players late in the first round? Funny how that works.

While Josh Gordon missed most of the 2014 season, Benjamin put up great numbers in his rookie season. He had 1,008 receiving yards and caught nine touchdowns in the regular season, and also had two touchdowns in a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Browns have consistently passed up on receivers in the first round of the draft, leaving fans to watch these dominant athletes rack up big numbers every season. Imagine if the Browns had Julio Jones on one side and Odell Beckham Jr. on another. There would be no need to go out and throw money at Dwayne Bowe if that were the case.

Benjamin did miss the entire 2015 season due to an ACL tear, but he should continue to go over 1,000 receiving yards each season as long as Cam Newton is throwing him the ball.

Next: Jeremy Hill

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