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Tuesday was relatively quite for Johnny Manziel, St. Louis Rams rumors. That didn't last. With the NFL world gathering in New York for the 2014 Draft, there was plenty of gossip floating around the wires.
Ramziel sweepstakes
Johnny Manziel is still the guy generating most conversation among execs. Perception around the NFL is Bucs, Rams, Vikings could be in play.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 7, 2014
The two biggest and strongest rumors I've been hearing in NYC for the draft: Mack to Texans at 1 and Johnny Manziel to Rams at 2.
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) May 7, 2014
Well, well, well. Is the smoke screen working or is there fire here? Who knows. We're kind of at the point of diminished returns on draft rumors. So remember, if it's a rumor you like, it's totally legit; if you don't like it, smokescreen.
Greg Cosell even got in on the Rams/Manziel fun, offering his firm belief that they would draft him with the second pick in the draft.
There was also still some chatter about maybe trading back up into the top 10 for a shot at Manziel.
But the real news might have been the smokescreen lifting. On Wednesday night, this happened:
Fisher brings Sam Bradford out on stage during pre-draft event for fans and tells crowd of about 2,000: "He's our guy." So much for Manziel.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 8, 2014
Snead’s intro: "I’m sorry but I’m tired of clarifying; here he is: our starting QB, Sam Bradford." (Via) #rams pic.twitter.com/61cm5hdXVq
— Daniel Doelling (@Daniel_Doelling) May 8, 2014
That pretty much settles it.
Here's my question, does this mean they're deciding to keep the second pick? I ask because this looks and sounds like the Manziel thing was definitely a smokescreen, and maybe nobody bit. Or maybe they got wind that the Texans were not going to draft Clowney or trade the pick. Who knows.
Onto the next rumor!