NFL.com Ranks Johnny Manziel 31st Among Backup Quarterbacks

It's bad enough that Josh McCown is probably viewed somewhere between the 30th-32nd best starting quarterback in the NFL, but now, Marc Sessler of NFL.com is saying that he'd rank Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel 31st among backup quarterbacks.

Sic transit gloria

31. Johnny Manziel, Browns
32. Blaine Gabbert, 49ers

Manziel was a disappointment on and off the field as a rookie. He deserves credit for handling his issues and showing better preparation heading into Year 2. The bigger concern was seeing defensive linemen chase him down with ease. While Russell Wilson and Drew Brees play big, Manziel looked small and out of place on the field. That said, I'm not ready to give up on Johnny after seven quarters. ... I don't have a problem with Gabbert taking the final spot because we know what he is after 27 NFL starts: A low-ceiling backup who needs to prove us wrong on the field.

Sessler stated this as the basis for his overall rankings:

As for the criteria, I listed 32 presumed backups in the order I would pick them to start a game today. Playing experience and recent game tape were primary factors, but team situation also played a part.

Some of the rankings are understandable, given the fact that Manziel hasn't proved anything. However, because it was such a small sample size, I think he deserves some leniency in the rankings to be placed higher than the likes of Kellen Clemens, Austin Davis, Scott Tolzien, Bruce Gradkowski, T.J. Yates, A.J. McCarron, Dan Orlovsky, and Jimmy Clausen. At the very least, I'd roll the dice with Manziel to start a game today over those guys. What do you think, Browns fans? Is Manziel's ranking justified?