The Cleveland Browns’ selection of Johnny Manziel in the NFL draft Thursday got the stamp of approval from
Brett Favre, who complimented the quarterback on a Sqor video posted before the draft occurred.
“I personally like Johnny Manziel as the quarterback in the draft,” he said. “I think Blake Bortles is different but is a good prospect as well. It depends on your need, the type of scheme you’re playing. But I think Manziel is probably the best playmaker in all the draft.”
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But that prediction didn’t boost Manziel in the draft rankings. Favre’s second choice, Bortles, was the first quarterback selected.
Manziel nearly dropped out of the first round altogether before the Browns chose him with their second pick.
USA Today’s Nate Davis listed Manziel as the No. 1 loser in the first round, saying, “He probably didn't expect to get bypassed 21 times, including snubs by both Texas teams. And consider this past history: the Browns drafted both Brady Quinn (2007) and Brandon Weeden (2012) with the 22nd pick. Oops. Maybe the third time will be the charm.”
Many agreed with Favre’s ultimately wrong prediction on his video.
“I think Manziel will be the #1 overall pick. I know everyone is tired of hearing about him lol. but he says you're one of his influences so he's a good qb and he's smart,” Sheryl Beckwith wrote on the video.
Manziel’s popularity has already boosted the Browns, which saw increased ticket sales after drafting him.
Forbes posted first-round draft pick salary projections, and Manziel is looking at around $8.2 million, significantly less than Bortles, who is projected to make almost $20.7 million.
The draft continues Friday and Saturday.
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