NEW YORK -- In the end, Cleveland's actual draft day adventures packed far more punch than anything Kevin Costner cooked up.
How to watch the NFL draft
With the 2014 NFL Draft officially underway, find out how to catch all the action from Radio City Music Hall on NFL Network. **More ...**
The Browns capped off a feverish first round that saw them pull off a whopping three trades and make a pair of picks, the second of those bringing to town the electric Johnny Manziel.
Cleveland gave up the No. 26 overall selection and a third-round pick at No. 83 for Philadelphia's slot at No. 22 -- and the right to grab the Texas A&M quarterback who NFL Films guru Greg Cosell praised as an "obvious playmaker."
After drafting Brady Quinn and Brandon Weeden with the 22nd overall pick in previous ill-fated drafts, the Browns are hoping the third time's a charm.
It's not promising news for the determined Brian Hoyer, but the decision to grab Johnny Football addresses a void that's plagued Cleveland ever since Bill Belichick scattered Bernie Kosar to the wind more than two decades ago.
After tumbling down the board, Manziel acknowledged Thursday night: "It was tough, but I went in there saying I thought whatever team drafted me, whatever team fell in love with me would be the right situation for me. The way that happened in college, the way everything's worked out for me. I'm a firm believer in that. So a little bit of anxiousness, a little bit of nervousness, but at the same time, there's a higher power that has a bigger plan for me."
Manziel's a good quote, and his words for the people of Cleveland will echo through that victory-thirsty city as September approaches:
"I'm going to pour my heart out for this team, for this organization," said Manziel, "and continue to go in and just work extremely hard, and try to become the football player that I want to be and I know I can be."
General manager Ray Farmer was whispered about as having fallen for Teddy Bridgewater, but the Browns instead have opted for the most polarizing and exciting passer in this draft. Whether that excitement translates to the NFL level will be fascinating to watch, but the Browns can't be labeled as meek.
On the first night of the draft, they've swung for the fences.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" provides instant reaction to all the wild happenings in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
