2014 DBN Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Select QB Johnny Manziel at No. 4

With the fourth pick in the 2014 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...

Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

This selection and write-up was made by Ryan216:

This is finally the pick that can change the 15 year lull we've been in as Browns fans.  There is no doubt that Johnny "Football" is a wildcard when it comes to projecting him to his future success in the NFL, but I think the Browns are in a position where they can take that chance.  He seems to have boom or bust written all over him, but the risk is worth it here.  We've been dying for good QB play for a long time and we finally have the opportunity to get that position locked down for the next 10-15 years.

We are especially in a good spot to make this pick the way our roster is constructed at this time.  Our defense is not "great," but I would consider it good enough to make a serious playoff run.  On offense we have a great up and coming WR that led the league in yards last year, even after missing two games.  We have a TE who looks to be very good, if not great when we have a QB that can get him the ball.  Add two pro bowl offensive lineman and the recent acquisition of Ben Tate and I'd say all we're lacking is the QB to make our team legit.  Yes, I know there are holes that need filled in our offensive line and by having ten picks in the draft this year we can work on filling those holes.  Same with the defensive struggles, we have all these picks that we can use to help out the D.

Another thing that I like about Manziel is that I think he can come in and play right away.  As long as he is not completely shell shocked in training camp and the pre-season I think he can start from day one.  I know this is not necessary, but I look at it as a positive.  Of course the long term success is what matters in the end.  Another big plus for him is that we now have Shanahan as our offensive coordinator.  With his success with RG3, I think he would work very well using Manziel's mobility in our offense.  If our main weakness on offense is our offensive line, why not pick up a guy that can not only play in the pocket, but also has some major upside working outside of the pocket and throwing on the run?

The "needs" that we have on offense, I think we can all agree, would be offensive line and possibly another wide receiver.  This draft sets up perfect for this scenario.  One of the deepest drafts we've seen at WR in a long time, and with the switch to the zone blocking scheme, we should be able to find very serviceable Olineman later in the draft.  Same with defense.  We need some help at the linebacker position and maybe another cornerback and safety.  Positions that can be filled in the middle rounds, I would think.

Sorry this got a little long.  I just wanted to show why we are in a great position to take a QB with our first pick in the draft this year and still easily be able to fill other holes with our later picks.

I wouldn't have the slightest problem with us taking Manziel. Even though I picked OT Greg Robinson for the Browns in the SB Nation writers' mock draft, that was only because Manziel was already off the board to the Rams at No. 2. I like Brian Hoyer, but I don't think the Browns can pass on a guy with the talent and mojo that Manziel has displayed.

The Oakland Raiders are up next, led by TuckJob.

2014 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)