Trying to decipher how the NFL Draft will play out has become more difficult the days leading up to the main event.
Earlier Wednesday, it was reported the Cleveland Browns will pass on Johnny Manziel with the fourth overall pick. And now more clarity has been shed on the situation.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are hoping to land an offensive tackle at No. 4 — preferably Greg Robinson — and nab quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the No. 26 pick.
In a perfect world, I’m hearing #Browns would want: 4. Greg Robinson 26. Teddy Bridgewater 35. WR or RB such as Carlos Hyde
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 7, 2014
Cleveland general manager Ray Farmer is “enamored” with Bridgewater dating back to last fall. Per the report, the Browns would consider trading up from No. 26 in order to draft him.
Bridgewater was once considered a candidate to go first overall to the Houston Texans, but his draft stock has taken a major dip since his Pro Day performance. After taking off his throwing glove, Bridgewater struggled, completing 57 of his 65 pass attempts.
Still, Bridgewater’s resume includes leading Louisville to a program-record 12 wins last season and 30 overall while under center.
First-year Browns coach Mike Pettine has nothing but praise for Bridgewater.
“I think he’s extremely accurate,” Pettine told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “You can tell he’s a very cerebral quarterback. He understands the game very well. Understands coverages, that kind of jumps off the tape at you. To me, he seems very unfazed by things. He plays very well under pressure. He’s a guy that’s NFL-ready. It doesn’t seem to be too big for him. He kind of has that calming presence out there. Some quarterbacks get real emotional, get real fired up and he’s not that. He kind of has that quiet confidence about him.”
Farmer’s interest in Bridgewater justifies the team passing up on Manziel, despite owner Jimmy Haslam’s reported interest in him. The Browns have “trepidation” about drafting Manziel considering the lack of success Heisman Trophy winners have had in recent year.
There’s a strong chance Bridgewater is on the board when the Browns pick for the second time in the first round; whether Robinson is still around at No. 4 seems to be more of a long shot.
Robinson has long been linked to the St. Louis Rams picking second, but the former Auburn offensive tackle may be available if the team is available to maneuver a deal out of that spot — potentially with the Atlanta Falcons.
If Robinson is not available for Cleveland at No. 4, the team could turn its attention to another offensive tackle — Jake Matthews or Taylor Lewan — or could go after wide receiver Mike Evans.
