Sometimes, things just don't work out how you would expect.
Take the Cleveland Browns for example. When the Browns drafted quarterback Johnny Manziel with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 draft, they thought they were getting their long-term franchise quarterback. But after Manziel's disastrous rookie year and a stint in rehab this offseason, Cleveland is trying to borrow a page from "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and erase that previous timeline.
The team's interest in QB Marcus Mariota before the 2014 NFL draft was well documented. Barring a miraculous turnaround for Manziel, the Browns will once again be in the market for a signal-caller when next year's draft rolls around. That's why Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com projects the Browns to take Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook with the No. 1 overall pick.
"The Browns will see if Johnny Manziel can get turned around this year, but it will be hard with the weak receivers Cleveland will field," Campbell wrote. "Josh McCown was good enough to get the Bucs to the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, so perhaps he can do that for the Browns this year.
"Cook completed 58 percent of his passes in 2014 for 3,214 yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has shown NFL evaluators that he has a big arm, pocket presence, reasonably precise throwing, and the mobility to avoid rushers and roll out. The 6-foot-4, 218-pounder plays in a pro-style system and has shown steady improvement with his ability to function out of the pocket while working through his progressions. Cook does need to improve his accuracy though. He will make some amazing throws and then miss on routine passes. The senior should be able to do that in 2015.
"Cook completed 59 percent of his passes in 2013 for 2,755 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He improved throughout the season and was very impressive against Ohio State and Stanford to close out the year."
While the idea of Cook going to the Browns is not a new one, it doesn't seem likely that Cleveland will land the No. 1 overall pick. Say what you want about the organization, but they fielded a decent team last year. The defense was top ten in points allowed (21.1) and passing yards (224.5). Rookie defensive tackle Danny Shelton should help against the run. The offense, meanwhile, averaged 4.5 yards per carry and 26.8 points per game before center Alex Mack went down with an injury. Assuming he's 100 percent, there's no reason why the Browns can't hide McCown with a strong run game.
Cleveland won't be competing for the Super Bowl in 2015, but it's also hard to believe they will be the worst team in the league. Quarterback is still high on their list of priorities, but they may have to wait a few picks before addressing it in next year's draft.
