National Football League

Browns QB coach still thinks Manziel can start

Published Jun. 12, 2015 1:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

New Browns quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell isn't counting Johnny Manziel out when it comes to the team's starting job.

O'Connell, who also tutored Manziel leading up to the 2014 draft, still sees the same potential that led him to compare his pupil to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning last year.

"My thoughts on Johnny have not changed,'' O'Connell told Cleveland.com. "I thought very highly of him when I got a chance to work with him before the draft."

While head coach Mike Pettine has already declared Josh McCown the frontunner for the No. 1 job, O'Connell gives Manziel a fighting chance to start.

"I think right now coach Pettine's been very clear that Josh is here for a reason, but we build everything around here on competition and that's how everybody gets better," O'Connell said. "And that's why it's important that this spring that we've been able to install our offense and give these guys the tools they need come the fall that we can have a competitive environment."

Manziel obviously still has a way to go after six dreadful quarters as a starter last season and an offseason that began in rehab. O'Connell is glad to see Manziel on the right path now.

"He understands that he's earning the right to not only compete here but to play this position which is very difficult and it takes a commitment on a daily basis. He's done a tremendous job with that."

h/t: Cleveland.com