Cleveland Browns defend their handling of Johnny Manziel this offseason
The Browns drafted Johnny Manziel at No. 22 overall. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
When the Cleveland Browns drafted Johnny Manziel, they knew about the off-field drama that surrounded Johnny Football.
Because of that, they instantly looked to deliver a message to Manziel, demoting him to backup duties and eventually opening OTA's with the former Aggie quarterback listed as their third-string quarterback. As if that wasn't enough, the organization stomped their feet to make sure Manziel knew he "was no longer in Hollywood" and that he was a "backup" quarterback.
It caught some off-guard, but the Browns feel they've handled Manziel correctly so far.
"When people criticize how we handled it, what's the alternative?" head coach Mike Pettine asked. "Would it have been more prudent for us the night we drafted him to name him the starter? And have him come in here and let the media have access to him every day and have a huge press conference for him? Handle him that way?
"It's all about building a team."
MORE COVERAGE: Offseason Report Cards | NFL Power Rankings | 2015 NFL Mock Draft
