Player: Johnny Manziel
First Round, 22nd Pick from Texas A&M
Team: Cleveland Browns
NFL Draft Scouting Report
Projected Role as a Rookie
Manziel is going to battle with veteran Brian Hoyer for the starting gig. While many expect Hoyer to beat out the rookie during training camp, Cleveland might find itself in a position to have to start Manziel. It depends greatly on how the Texas A&M quarterback performs later this summer.
In terms of his potential to start Week 1, Manziel is probably the safest bet of any rookie quarterback. He has the biggest "star power" of any of them, and the Browns need to give a jolt of energy to their fan base. With that said, we can expect new head coach Mike Pettine to do what is best for his team as it relates to contending in 2014.
This is an indication that Hoyer will get first dibs with Manziel waiting in the wings should the veteran struggle or the Browns fall out of contention at some point in the season. Both of those seem like decent bets at this point.
Supporting Cast
Unfortunately for whoever is under center in Cleveland, wide receiver Josh Gordon will likely be lost for the entire season due to yet another punishment from the league office. In this, Cleveland loses the best young wide receiver in the NFL.
No team would be able to overcome this loss, let alone a franchise that has been without a star pass catcher since...Michael Jackson?!?!?
With Gordon out of the mix, a combination of Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin and Nate Burleson will be asked to pick up the slack. While all three can contribute in their own way, none of them will be able to even come close to duplicating Gordon's production. That's going to hurt Manziel big time, should he earn the starting gig.
The Browns are set at tight end with Jordan Cameron coming off a tremendous 2013 season that saw him break out to the tune of 917 yards and seven touchdowns. The Pro Bowl pass catcher immediately becomes Cleveland's best option in the passing game with Gordon out.
In addition to this, the Browns were able to add former Houston Texans running back Ben Tate to the mix. If healthy, Tate will provide them with a mininum of 1,000 rushing yards in 2014. At the very least, he gives the Browns some sort of balance on offense.
Fantasy Strengths and Weaknesses
Manziel's weaknesses far outweigh his strengths as a rookie. Cleveland doesn't have the necessary threats in the passing game to help Manziel elevate his performance. Couple that with what is expected to be tremendous learning curves coming from Texas A&M and you have a quarterback that will struggle making much of a fantasy impact, even if he starts out of the gate.
Moving forward, however, Manziel is a dynasty dynamo.
Dynasty Forecast
The latest in a new breed of quarterback that makes plays with both his arm and his legs, Manziel boasts the highest upside of any quarterback with one year or less of actual NFL experience. Yes, this includes the likes of E.J. Manuel and Geno Smith.
His dynasty forecast is rather simple. Give Manziel some time to learn the nuances of the NFL and assume the Browns will surround him with talent. This means picking him up in rookie drafts as nothing more than a QB3 option with the idea that he could take over as a QB1 two years down the road. He's the perfect taxi squad player, especially if you have a decent QB2. If not, roll the dice with the anticipation that Manziel will be starting when you need him.