The Cleveland Browns did not conduct a formal interview with Johnny Manziel at the NFL Scouting Combine, coach Mike Pettine told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The surprising news adds intrigue to NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's report last week that the Browns' new regime might not be as high on Manziel as the previous one was.
Pettine was hired as the Browns' new head coach Jan. 23, and Ray Farmer stepped in as the new general manager Feb. 11, replacing Mike Lombardi.
According to Jeremiah, the Browns' supposed love affair with Manziel was "a total smokescreen."
"Their guy is Derek Carr," Jeremiah said, referring to the former Fresno State quarterback, adding that the Browns, who have the No. 4 pick in the draft, are likely to pass on a quarterback there and wait to take Carr with the No. 26 pick.
In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah has the Browns selecting Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins with the fourth pick; Jeremiah has Manziel going to the Oakland Raiders with the No. 5 pick.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Raiders, like the Browns, might also pass on Manziel because they liked Carr better coming out of the combine.
That the Browns and Raiders have reportedly dropped Manziel on their draft boards might turn out to be moot -- the Jaguars, who have the No. 3 pick, also are in the market for a quarterback, and three NFL Media analysts have them selecting Manziel in their latest mock drafts.
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