NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) rolls out during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals beat the Browns 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns – Johnny Manziel

Why is he the pick?

Who else could it have possibly been? Rarely has any player come into the NFL with a polarizing hype machine behind him like Manziel, who was supposed to come in and be the Browns’ franchise quarterback last year. Instead, Manziel was a walking controversy who only started two games, finishing one before being knocked out of the other with an injury.

This offseason, Manziel seemed to mature. The Heisman Trophy winner went to a rehabilitation center to clean up his life and from all accounts has been a model teammate throughout the offseason program. Entering his second season, Manziel faces the task of overcoming veteran Josh McCown who has been installed as the starter. Can he pull the upset and unseat McCown?

What is at stake?

The long-term state of the Browns. Manziel is going to be the franchise quarterback for the next decade if he has the chops. Even if McCown comes into the 2015 season and plays lights out, he only has a few years left in the tank before hanging up the cleats. Cleveland has to find a true leader under center, something it has not had since Bernie Kosar in the 1980’s.

Next: Indianapolis Colts

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