On Tuesday it was reported Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer has "shown a liking" for Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota. A more recent development further suggests the Browns could chase him in this year's NFL Draft.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mariota is currently training with tutor Kevin O'Connell, who was hired a couple of weeks ago as the Browns' quarterbacks coach. Interestingly enough, O'Connell also helped Johnny Manziel get ready for last year's draft, during which he was selected 22nd overall by Cleveland. Is this an indication the Browns are making a move for Mariota, or at least seriously considering him?
It's not something that's out of the question because Farmer also reiterated his liking for Mariota back in December and said the team will "explore every option at all positions." The decision is likely being considered more seriously at this point after Manziel recently checked himself into an inpatient rehab facility to deal with his possible dependency on alcohol. Towards the end of the season, the 22-year-old rookie was fined for being late for treatment and it was then discovered he threw a party at his house the previous night that a number of Browns players attended.
Manziel made headlines when he came on in relief for Brian Hoyer in the second half of the team's Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The former Heisman Trophy winner was 5-of-8 passing for 63 yards and registered two carries for 13 yards with a touchdown and lost fumble. Two weeks later he started his first NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but threw two interceptions and was sacked three times in the 30-0 loss. After just 35 passing attempts in the NFL, his potential upside at the professional level has already been put into question.
After the season ended an anonymous Browns player said Manziel's rookie season was a "100 percent joke" and cited his lack of commitment and preparation as well as his penchant for nightlife. However, former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who is now assuming the same role with the Atlanta Falcons, said he believes Manziel got a bad rep during his rookie season, believed the quarterback worked very hard and thinks he can have a bright future in the league.
Although the Browns have expressed interest in Mariota, the fact that he's training with O'Connell could be a mere coincidence given the coach's past experience working with quarterbacks. Additionally, Cabot notes O'Connell "has known coach Mike Pettine and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo since he was a backup quarterback for the Jets from 2009-11 (on and off)."
The Browns have the 12th overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
