Johnny Manziel has two-day visit with Oakland Raiders
Johnny Manziel walks on the field. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders acquired Matt Schaub earlier this offseason to be their starting quarterback going forward, but they are still looking at the top quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft class. Per a league source close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Texas A&M Aggies product Johnny Manziel will visit the Raiders tonight and the visit will carry over into tomorrow.
If the Raiders want to draft Manziel, then they would almost certainly have to take him with the fifth overall pick. While I wouldn’t completely rule out the chances of the Raiders taking a QB with their first-round pick, I really don’t think it’s a legitimate option for this club. Schaub is 33 and will be a free agent after two seasons, so it does make sense to take a look at long-term options. But the Raiders should only draft a QB that high if they are completely sold on one, and it’s clear to me that they aren’t. I mean, they wouldn’t have traded for Schaub if they were, right?
But if Manziel slips into the second round, then the Raiders should strongly consider scooping him up. This is highly unlikely, but that’s exactly how I would describe the chances of the Raiders taking a top QB like Manziel in the draft. They are sold on Schaub for the short-term for better or for worse, and I don’t see them paying premium for a QB unless if they are totally on board with him. Otherwise, taking a QB fifth overall would prevent them from drafting a standout position player like Sammy Watkins or even Khalil Mack if he’s still around at five.