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#857701 03/04/14 12:34 AM
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Pettine says Browns didn’t conduct a “formal interview” of Manziel at the Scouting Combine

Posted by Mike Florio on March 3, 2014, 10:54 PM EST

The Scouting Combine ended nearly a week ago, but interesting tidbits continue to emerge.

For example, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that coach Mike Pettine said Monday the Browns didn’t conduct a “formal interview” with Johnny Manziel in Indianapolis.

The “formal interview” process consists of the 15-minute nightly ping-pong sessions from door to door in hotel rooms with the beds removed. But there’s also an informal process involving interviews at the local train station. While the formal interviews are limited in number, a team with sufficient resources and motivations could, in theory, interview every player at the Scouting Combine.

Even if the Browns didn’t speak to Manziel formally or informally in Indy, they’ll have other opportunities to speak to him before the draft.

There’s also a chance the Browns are trying to create the impression they’re not interested in Manziel, in order to avoid being leapfrogged by a team drafting lower than fourth. With franchise quarterbacks in short supply, the Browns gain nothing by being candid about whether they want Manziel.

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There’s also a chance the Browns are trying to create the impression they’re not interested in Manziel, in order to avoid being leapfrogged by a team drafting lower than fourth. With franchise quarterbacks in short supply, the Browns gain nothing by being candid about whether they want Manziel.




That was the first thing I thought when I saw this. My opinion changes daily with this guy. I think I would rather be wrong and have him be great somewhere else then take him and have him bust. I am really hoping the Texans take Manziel and Teddy falls to us.

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Good, hopefully this adds icing to the "Do Not Draft Manziel" cake! Just me, but I want nada to do with him.

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Honestly, if they don't bring all the QB candidates they're considering for at least one all-day on-site visit, I think they're making a bad move. For this reason, why waste one of your 15-minute combine interviews on a guy you know you're bringing in anyways?

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Not to mention Farmer has been out in the field all college season. I would venture to say he's probably had a few conversations already with QBs he's interested in. I agree, don't waste that 15 minute speed dating interview. Bring him in for workout etc, or talk to him on pro day. I'd spend my time at combine trying to find gems in later rounds. the first 3 rounds i think they probably already know what they'd like to do.


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Honestly, if they don't bring all the QB candidates they're considering for at least one all-day on-site visit, I think they're making a bad move. For this reason, why waste one of your 15-minute combine interviews on a guy you know you're bringing in anyways?



I agree. If you are going to create a diversion, since the whole world expects us to take a QB, bring them all in.. Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel, Garrapolo, Fales, Carr, McCarron...


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They didn't interview any quarterbacks at the combine, this is non news and they want to conduct formal interviews in Cleveland.

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Honestly, if they don't bring all the QB candidates they're considering for at least one all-day on-site visit, I think they're making a bad move. For this reason, why waste one of your 15-minute combine interviews on a guy you know you're bringing in anyways?



I agree. If you are going to create a diversion, since the whole world expects us to take a QB, bring them all in.. Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel, Garrapolo, Fales, Carr, McCarron...




Isn't there a maximum number of folks you can bring into Cleveland for interviews?


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They didn't interview any quarterbacks at the combine, this is non news and they want to conduct formal interviews in Cleveland.




^This. They want to interview them under circumstances where they will be unable to fully rely on their prepared 15 minute script.


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Good, hopefully this adds icing to the "Do Not Draft Manziel" cake! Just me, but I want nada to do with him.




Add me to that list.

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Finished watching a cutup of Manziel's TD's/INT's (2013 season)….Inside the pocket-26 TD/11 INT. Outside the pocket-11 TD/2 INT




Daniel Jeremiah #1

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On 5 of Manziel's 13 INTs, the ball was touched by one of his receivers.




Daniel Jeremiah #2

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Manziel needs to continue to develop inside the pocket, but to say he doesn't have a lot of pocket production is 100 percent false.




Daniel Jeremiah #3

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I don't want Manziel.. IMO he's just too small.. I'll tell you a story that made an impact on me..

There was a day that I was at Training Camp in Berea, Garcia was the QB that day.. My back was to the complex bldg and I was facing the field, it was the last 40 or so mins before the end of the day. The Browns started doing 1st team O vs D scrimmages.. the defense has their backs to me and the offense is headed towards me. I'm essentially behind the end zone..

Everyone moves around, gets to their positions.. assumes their positions.. so everyone is bending over at the line. I see Garcia plain as day.. then Garcia says "Hut hut hike" Everyone stands up and I no longer see Garcia.. I know that I can't see him, he can't see me. That means he needs passing lanes.. and that takes a LOT of cooperation between the QB, the Oline and the receiver

And.. Garcia is 1 1/2 to 2 inches taller.


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Jeff Garcia is the wrong example to use. He was pretty great for the 49ers in his prime. If I could draft Manziel and know I was getting Garcia's prime years over a five year span I would do it in a heartbeat.

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Actually, I've always suspected Garcia to be the best QB we've had since 99. My point was more to the idea that things need to work perfectly for a short QB to be effective..


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You get a short number of WORKOUTS allowed at your place. Then there are workouts at their place that can be scheduled with a lot more allowed. Then there is another numerical breakdown to Interviews at your place.

Just going on memory which could fail me


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Saint I think you are overstating the problem.. the average OLman right now is about 6'4".. with a helmet on that's probably between 6'5" and 6'6"... even with a 6'4" QB, his eye level is at about 5'11"..

Every QB needs throwing lanes, no QB can actually see over the top of the OL if they are all standing in front of him...

Height is an advantage but I don't believe it's that big of an advantage if you are a smart QB..


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Jeff Garcia is the wrong example to use.




Drew Brees is the best example to use. They are almost identical in size. And Russell Wilson is almost a full inch shorter. Both have won superbowls.


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Quote:

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Jeff Garcia is the wrong example to use.




Drew Brees is the best example to use. They are almost identical in size. And Russell Wilson is almost a full inch shorter. Both have won superbowls.




I don't think Manziel and Brees are similar. I think Aaron Murray is the QB most-like Brees in this draft.

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And I believe that is a big part of the problem here. I agree that many QB's of differing skill sets are passed over because of size.

But when comparing QB's, I believe the skill set is far more critical than size. ie.... Drew Brees and Michael Vick are two completely different QB's.


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I've always like Aaron Murray, I never understood why he doesn't get more love.

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I'm not much into Bud Shaw, but can't help agree:

'If Cleveland Browns are leaning away from Johnny Manziel, they have supporters - Bud Shaw's Sports Spin'

http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2014/03/johnny_manziel_1.html

By Bud Shaw, The Plain Dealer
on March 04, 2014 at 6:10 PM, updated March 05, 2014 at 7:37 AM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- So Browns head coach Mike Pettine admitted the team did not formally interview Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel at the NFL's scouting combine.

Wow.

You know what that means? Besides next to nothing, I mean.

It means you can expect to hear from one draft analyst who claims the Browns missed the most riveting sit down since David Frost took on Richard Nixon, while another says they were smart to pass on Manziel because he would’ve lost them at “Hello.”

Has there ever been a more polarizing NFL draft pick than Johnny Football?

Tim Tebow? No way.

Almost everybody thought Tebow was a project, despite Josh McDaniels biting in the first round. I don’t remember anyone saying he’d be a Hall of Famer. And certainly the opinions on him weren’t split so divisively.

Consider two knowledgeable football men. Gil Brandt was Dallas’ personnel man for 29 years. Ron Jaworski started at quarterback for the Eagles, whose run to Super Bowl XV came at the expense of Brandt’s Cowboys in the NFC championship game.

Brandt left the Cowboys in 1988. Jaworski spent one final season with Kansas City before retiring in 1989.

I reference their resumes here because based on their opinions of one 2014 NFL draft prospect you might guess Brandt and Jaworski made their reputations in completely different NFL eras, maybe even different sports.

Some of us have established a base camp opinion on Manziel. He’s exciting to watch and perhaps the most intriguing player in the draft. Much will depend on where he’s picked and how his strengths are utilized.

As for the high opinion and low opinion, Brandt and Jaworski have those covered.

In Brandt’s opinion, Manziel is Fran Tarkenton, only better. That would mean better than a Hall of Famer.

Jaworski recently told a Philadelphia radio station that he wouldn’t pick Manziel in the first three rounds.

We can probably agree the truth belongs in the middle ground between bronze bust in Canton and regular old bust in the NFL.

My thoughts on Manziel: The team that takes him better be in love with his fundamentals, decision making, intangibles, attitude and leadership. They better love him for all the reasons the Seahawks love Russell Wilson (a third rounder himself).

Because it’s not enough to pick a guy because he “makes plays.” What if he's missing open receivers, holding the ball and then scrambling for a first down? That's a knock on Manziel.

NFL quarterbacks don't survive long turning their backs to the defense in mid-scramble. More often, Manziel will need to step up in the pocket and deliver. Not as exciting as a 40-yard sideline-to-sideline jaunt, but effective.

The plays that win Heisman trophies on Saturday are much more difficult to make on Sunday.

Jaworski’s words sound crazy. So do Brandt’s. For now, we'll be nice and call it a tie. And say it's understandable if the Browns -- like Johnny Football scrambling for his life -- go in a different direction.



(More various sports stuff at link above.)

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Saint I think you are overstating the problem.. the average OLman right now is about 6'4".. with a helmet on that's probably between 6'5" and 6'6"... even with a 6'4" QB, his eye level is at about 5'11"..

Every QB needs throwing lanes, no QB can actually see over the top of the OL if they are all standing in front of him...

Height is an advantage but I don't believe it's that big of an advantage if you are a smart QB..




It is true, but they can always sign shorter o-lineman and dont forget those linemen if playing right have thier knees bent and trying to stay low for leverage sake.

Lets say you go for 6'2 300pld zone blocking o-linemen. They can block just fine and not block the view of a 6' QB too badly.

besides a skilled QB playing with WR's he is used to will throw the ball blind anyways. As in, throwing the ball to a certain spot and trusting his WR to be there to catch it. Joe Montana and Jerry Rice did that a LOT.


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I've always like Aaron Murray, I never understood why he doesn't get more love.




From what I read, his knee was really tore up bad.


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As it stands right now.

Manziel is a "Player" He is a bigtime football player. He can really play the game.

Manziel is a winner. He is a baller. He is a gamer.

How it all pans out in the NFL is yet to be seen. Nobody can argue that he isn't a special player. If we can get either him or Teddy at #4 that will make things very interesting. If we trade up and give up more than #4 and #26 to get one of them then I start to scratch my head. Another month and the pain will be over with. Or... it will start over again.

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Another month and the pain will be over with. Or... it will start over again.




Actually it will be two months..... but I digress....



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If I remember correctly didn't Jaworski praise Brandon Weeden this past off season. I seem to remember him saying something to the effect that Weeden would be a quality starter in the NFL. I wonder what his track record for projecting QBs really is?

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As it stands right now.

Manziel is a "Player" He is a bigtime football player. He can really play the game.

Manziel is a winner. He is a baller. He is a gamer.

How it all pans out in the NFL is yet to be seen. Nobody can argue that he isn't a special player. If we can get either him or Teddy at #4 that will make things very interesting. If we trade up and give up more than #4 and #26 to get one of them then I start to scratch my head. Another month and the pain will be over with. Or... it will start over again.




Yeah, but can he walk on water? That's what I want to know


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If I remember correctly didn't Jaworski praise Brandon Weeden this past off season. I seem to remember him saying something to the effect that Weeden would be a quality starter in the NFL. I wonder what his track record for projecting QBs really is?




I broke this down in depth in the Bridgewater thread on page 5 (can't figure out to link it directly to my post).

His exact quotes were

Quote:

“I believe Weeden to be a rock-solid NFL starter in Norv Turner’s offense," Jaworski said. "It will feature a heavy emphasis on play-action and intermediate and downfield throws -- that’s Weeden’s strength."

"I evaluated all of Weeden’s throws in his rookie season, and I came away impressed," Jaworski said. “For a rookie, Weeden showed uncommon poise and calm in the pocket. His mechanics were consistently solid. He showed the necessary ability to sit on his back foot and drive the ball with velocity. Did he struggle at times with clarity, seeing the field? Absolutely. Did he make some poor reads and bad throws in critical red zone situations? No doubt. But that’s what you expect from a rookie quarterback."

“Overall, I was impressed with Weeden’s rookie season," Jaworski said. "He will be the Browns' starting quarterback in 2013. There’s no question in my mind that his throwing skill-set and Turner’s quarterback-friendly system will mesh effectively.”



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The plays that win Heisman trophies on Saturday are much more difficult to make on Sunday.




That's a great quote.


Am I the only one that pronounces hyperbole "Hyper-bowl" instead of "hy-per-bo-le"?
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I hope we draft him. I would not have the guts to do it, if i were gm but if Farmer pulls the trigger, I will have a reason to watch the Browns next year and right now I have no reason to be honest.

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I'd be wary of it because he's a guy I'd like to sit a year...

And if he's on the sideline, and your starter has a bad game.. Ugh...


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As for the high opinion and low opinion, Brandt and Jaworski have those covered.

In Brandt’s opinion, Manziel is Fran Tarkenton, only better. That would mean better than a Hall of Famer.

Jaworski recently told a Philadelphia radio station that he wouldn’t pick Manziel in the first three rounds.

We can probably agree the truth belongs in the middle ground between bronze bust in Canton and regular old bust in the NFL.




I am not so sure the truth belongs in the middle ground.

I feel that Manziel has the potential to be one of the greatest QBs in the game. I think he has the ability, the moxie, and the start potential to completely uplift a franchise. These are the reasons I would consider him at number 4.

On the other hand, I think he has a fairly high bust potential because he seems like the type of guy who could get injured a lot and his game might not translate to the NFL. These are the reasons I find him risky.

I really don't think there is much of a "middle ground" on Johnny Manziel.

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If I remember correctly didn't Jaworski praise Brandon Weeden this past off season. I seem to remember him saying something to the effect that Weeden would be a quality starter in the NFL. I wonder what his track record for projecting QBs really is?




You have to remember that football is a gentleman's sport, off-field. People in that line of work are expected to be supportive and positive of other players and coaches. If they feel they can't be that, they'll probably just end up lying so they don't have to speak the truth.... It's just the way it goes sometimes.

I don't know if Jaworski was just being nice or perhaps he really thought Weeden had it?

Regardless, you don't hear many commentators throwing players under the bus, unless it's something major, like a drug bust/rape/whatnot.

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Eh, not everyone lives in Grudens word of hyperbole...

No one is going to throw out things like "He'll be a great player" unless they actually believe it..


Am I the only one that pronounces hyperbole "Hyper-bowl" instead of "hy-per-bo-le"?
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Eh, not everyone lives in Grudens word of hyperbole...

No one is going to throw out things like "He'll be a great player" unless they actually believe it..




That depends on whether or not the respective TV program already has someone to take that position or not. Just like radio talk shows, you need someone to take the commonly held view, then you need someone to take the contrary view, or at least a somewhat differing view - it's called good television. Nobody tunes in to watch shows where everybody agrees with all of the popular opinion touted elsewhere.... it doesn't do anything to set up future shows & discussions.


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... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.

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The Broncos never met or spoke with Cutler.

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The Broncos never met or spoke with Cutler.




but, is that something other teams may have learned from? maybe a cautionary tale?

Cutler lasted 3 seasons in Denver (2 as starter)

He got his HC fired (despite Shanahan having those 2 SB rings)

He & Marshall were combustible together despite on-field success (and the Broncos ended up shipping Brandon out a year later)


Both he and Marshall matured and are now supposedly a good tandem in Chicago and leaders for that team (at least media narrative), but neither was ready to be that type of individual for the Broncos and it cost the present coaching staff. Maybe some interviewing would have allowed them to see that ahead of time?


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Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Jeff Garcia is the wrong example to use.




Drew Brees is the best example to use. They are almost identical in size. And Russell Wilson is almost a full inch shorter. Both have won superbowls.




I don't think Manziel and Brees are similar. I think Aaron Murray is the QB most-like Brees in this draft.




Ok maybe I should have used the words "Brees or Wilson are better examples" then Garcia.


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I don't think Denver's complaining about it at all.

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I don't think Denver's complaining about it at all.




i know quite a few Bronco fans that consider those dark days and a waste of half a decade. sure, they rebounded quickly from it, but that's the difference between their org. and ours.


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