The Cleveland Browns have publically stated they are committed to Johnny Manziel and making him both a better quarterback and better person. In their pre-draft press conference, both general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine have stressed their confidence in Manziel, but certainly did nothing to downplay their interest in a trade for Marcus Mariota. Josh McCown believes he can help Manziel reach his potential on and off the field to end the trade rumors.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are not trading Manziel, but remain interested in Mariota. While the team continues to explore draft deals for the former Oregon star, Manziel in on field and McCown is committed to helping the second-year pro get better for the future.
"First and foremost, it's how you play as an individual, and moving forward, it's how you help the guys around you." said McCown, via ESPN.com. "As a member of a team, that's how it should go. By going out and winning football games. I'm not into talking people into it. That's not my deal. You go out and you play better football. That's the idea."
Entering 2015, Manziel and McCown are the two best quarterbacks in the rotation. Pettine has maintained the idea that there will be a quarterback competition heading into the new season because he believes that is how an offense thrives. However, Mariota could still be added to that rotation. Pettine made it clear the Browns were open to dealing up if the price was right. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, there are several teams still in play to try and acquire Mariota as a move up to at least the No. 2 pick will be costly.
If the Browns fail to get a deal done for Mariota, they have other options in the first round. According to Mike Mayock of the NFL Network, the Browns will move on a wide receiver at either the No. 12 or No. 19 picks to help replace Josh Gordon who is facing another one-year suspension. Amari Cooper, Kevin White, DeVante Parker and Breshard Perriman have all come in for visits for the team. Cooper might be tough to get as he could go as high as No. 3, but White, Parker and Perriman would be quality fits for an offense in need of wide receiver help.
