Report: Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Pressured Ex-GM Ray Farmer to Draft Johnny Manziel in 2014

Farmer reportedly targeted Teddy Bridgewater or Derek Carr in the second round.

ESPN's Seth Wickersham detailed Jimmy Haslam's turbulent tenure as Cleveland's owner on Thursday, highlighting the Browns 2014 draft that included Texas A&M Johnny Manziel. 

Former Browns general manager Ray Farmer was tasked with selecting a quarterback in the first two rounds in the May 2014 draft. After selecting Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert with the No. 8 overall pick, Farmer eyed Oregon State wideout Brandin Cooks with Cleveland's second first-round pick. Farmer would then shift his focus to a quarterback in the second round with Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr still on the board.

Farmer's plan shifted as Cleveland's approached the clock for the No. 22 selection. With pressure from Haslam as well as Browns' QB coach Dowell Loggins, Farmer discarded his original idea, selecting Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel instead of Cooks. 

"Farmer knew whom the owner wanted, so he made a decision that felt like a concession and traded up to draft him, despite significant concerns about Manziel's skill set and hard partying at Texas A&M," Wickersham wrote on Thursday. "Haslam celebrated, but those in the room could tell Farmer was frustrated. After months of planning, he'd given away his two first-rounders to his coach and owner."

Manziel's time in Cleveland was short. He went 2–6 as the Browns' starter, throwing seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. Manziel was released in January 2016.