New Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson has a very clear idea of what he wants as his quarterback. While he didn’t name any names, it’s pretty clear that Johnny Manziel is not the guy he’s after.
“A guy that can help elevate this football team, not anybody that’s going to tear it down because it’s too hard in the National Football League to have a guy like that. A guy that’s all-consumed with one thing — being the best quarterback that he can be, and being the best leader he can be. That’s the kind of guy I’m looking for,” Jackson said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
While Manziel definitely gives max effort when he’s on the field, there’s nothing in his past, even dating back to Texas A&M, that indicates he’s “A guy that’s all-consumed with one thing.”
Two questions immediately come to mind from Jackson’s quotes.
First, if Manziel doesn’t return to Cleveland, where does he end up? He’s desired by some fans in Dallas, but his behavior through 2015 definitely indicates that at best, he’s a monumental risk for any NFL team.
Secondly, and more pressing for the Browns fans, if Manziel doesn’t return, who will the quarterback be?
Josh McCown and Austin Davis are likely not the answer to that question, not if the Browns want to win, anyway. The Browns are picking right behind the Tennessee Titans in the draft at No. 2 overall. As the Titans already have Marcus Mariota, the Cleveland would likely be in position to draft either Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch.
One thing is clear from Jackson’s words. Both the Cleveland Browns and Johnny Manziel have a long way to go to be in good standing within the NFL.