The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly considering using the seventh overall pick of the 2014 NFL draft on quarterback Johnny Manziel. Depending how bad they want Manziel, the Buccaneers may have to trade up to avoid the Cleveland Browns snagging him first.
Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith didn't rule out drafting a quarterback in May, and a report on Wednesday from ESPN's Vaughn McClure indicates that quarterback could be Manziel.
Per ESPN:
"Johnny Manziel is on the short list of players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering with their first-round pick in next month's NFL draft, a league source told (Vaughn)."
While projections for Manziel have fluctuated, he's consistently been considered a top 10 pick. Most expect him to be the second signal caller off the board behind Blake Bortles, and with the stock of this year's quarterback prospects reportedly falling, Manziel could easily still be on the board at No. 7.
Depending on how high Manziel is on Tampa Bay's list, Smith may have to trade up to ensure one of the four quarterback-needy teams ahead of them don't draft him first. There's also the possibility of another team trading up for Manziel.
Tampa Bay's biggest competition for the former Aggies standout appears to be the Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 4 pick and are one of the quarterback-needy teams.
While the latest mock drafts from both ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay project Manziel to be wearing a Browns uniform next season, several reports indicate Cleveland is interested in using their No. 26 or No. 36 pick on a quarterback such as Derek Carr or Aaron Murray.
The Minnesota Vikings, owners of the No. 8 pick, are another team reportedly interested in the 2012 Heisman winner. Like Cleveland, however, a separate report indicated Minnesota may also pass on a quarterback with their first-round pick.
The draft begins on Thursday, May 8.
