Browns HC Mike Pettine said QB Johnny Manziel has the "it factor at an extreme level." He described Manziel as ultra-passionate and ultra-competitive. But he said Manziel will have to earn his playing time and will not be given it.
"It'll be a competition," Pettine said. "I meant that when I said it. I don't think you can hand jobs to people when they come in."
Before the draft began, Pettine said, “There will be competition, but I think it will be very difficult, based on my evaluation of this year’s draft class, it will be very difficult for anyone in this draft class to come in and beat [Brian Hoyer] out. I really believe that. There’s that certain it factor he has. Just the way he’s attacked his rehab, the way he’s attacked learning a new offense. What jumped out was his accuracy. I think him going through the drill work that we had put the quarterbacks through in their workouts, and compared it to those guys – it was encouraging to see.”
Pettine has changed his tune somewhat over the past 24 hours and it's understandable given the way the city of Cleveland is abuzz with the arrival of Manziel. If he wins the job this summer, he'll be an intriguing QB2 who should be available in the 9th-11th rounds given all the depth at quarterback. He has a good situation brewing with Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron in his receiving corps, and the newly-signed Ben Tate as a threat in the running game.
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