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The five most disappointing Cleveland Browns of the modern era

By Greg Newland

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the football as offensive linemen Cameron Erving #74 and Joe Thomas #73 block defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (L) and linebacker Jarvis Jones #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on November 15, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 30-9. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the football as offensive linemen Cameron Erving #74 and Joe Thomas #73 block defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (L) and linebacker Jarvis Jones #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on November 15, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 30-9. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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Quarterback Johnny Manziel

KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 27: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns avoids the tackle of Ron Parker #38 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium during the fourth quarter of the game on December 27, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 27: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns avoids the tackle of Ron Parker #38 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium during the fourth quarter of the game on December 27, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Where do we start with a guy like Johnny Manziel? No one was thrilled when the Browns drafted him with the 22nd pick in 2014 (via the Colts for Richardson). However, before the season started many had convinced themselves Manziel could be the answer. Boy, could that be farther from the truth?

If the off-field antics of partying and talking to the media weren’t enough, Manziel’s play on the field wasn’t much better. In two seasons with the Browns, Manziel started just eight games and was able to win only two. He had seven passing touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Manziel was constantly in the spotlight, but never for the right reasons. After multiple fines for missing medical treatments and continuing to play poorly, the Browns finally cut ties in March of 2016. Manziel would never get another opportunity in the NFL but continued to be in the news for the CFL and the AAF, where he also never found success.

With so many failures in Cleveland, especially at quarterback, it felt like the Browns needed to rock the boat to get it right. What better way to rock the boat than on a party animal like Manziel whose only major accomplishment was beating Alabama at home. Looking back, the writing was on the wall the whole time and there was a reason he was available at pick No. 22.

Next. Browns that deserve a 10-year contract. dark

For the people who quickly compared Baker Mayfield to Manziel, hold your horses. Yes, Mayfield is smaller, athletic, and plays with a chip on his shoulder, but the comparisons stop there. Let’s hope Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski can break the curse in Cleveland and make everyone forget about this dreaded list.

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