Logic suggests that both Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater both will be selected in the first round of the draft. It’s becoming clear that Manziel will be gone sooner than later. If Bridgewater is there later, a potential destination is emerging.
Unless it isn’t.
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Browns G.M. Ray Farmer is “enamored” with Bridgewater, and that Farmer will “strongly consider” taking Bridgewater at No. 26, if he’s still there.
Since we’re constantly looking for smokescreens in the days before the draft -- and assuming that everything coming from a team is indeed a smokescreen -- it could be that Farmer hopes someone who covets Bridgewater leapfrogs the Browns at No. 26, taking the former Louisville quarterback and leaving on the board someone in whom the Browns are genuinely interested.
Last week, Farmer openly gushed about receiver Sammy Watkins, expressing hope the former Clemson wideout will be available when the Browns use the fourth pick. It seemed like a clumsy exercise in reverse psychology, unless Farmer has gone next level in his blowing of smoke, expressing interest in order to make people think he’s not interested, in order to hide his true interest.
My nose is bleeding.