National Football League

Manziel during draft: 'We're screwed'

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:11 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Connor Kiesel

Johnny Manziel was getting nervous during Thursday night's first round of the NFL Draft as the picks continued to be called and his name wasn't being read.

In his latest "Monday Morning Quarterback," Peter King details Manziel's emotions after getting bypassed by the Rams at the No. 13 slot:

Manziel does not like to let people see him sweat. He knew his every move on this night would be scrutinized closely. But the Rams passing on him hurt. Because now he thought he'd be in for a free-fall. He turned to [his agent, EriK] Burkhardt, and sort of out of the side of his mouth, said this: "E.B., we're screwed."

Manziel told King Saturday night that he felt "really good" about St. Louis and was surprised they chose not to take him.

King also sheds light on the Browns' pre-draft workout with Manziel in College Station, which King calls a "mess." In the 8 a.m. session on the Saturday before Easter, Manziel had a high school friend, his agent and Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan -- all wearing sneakers and jeans -- as his wide receivers. Afterward, his agent said it wasn't Manziel's best.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine came away impressed though with Manziel's ability to handle pressure.

Manziel, taken by the Browns with the No. 22 overall pick, will now compete with Brian Hoyer for the starting quarterback job in training camp in what feels like a yearly ritual in Cleveland.

The hope is that Manziel or Hoyer will make this the last summer quarterback battle for a while.

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League