It's not the GM that put this into motion. Will McClay (sp) did. The GM, Jerry Jones, wanted to draft Manziel and not the All Pro center.
Originally Posted by pyramider
You're confused (once again).
The All Pro
center, Travis Frederick, was already a member of the Dallas Cowboys when the 2014 NFL Draft was held.
Dallas had hoped Ohio State LB, Ryan Shazier, would fall to them (which it appeared he was on his way to doing). The Steelers grabbed him at 15....the Cowboys chose next....and took Notre Dame All American OT, Zack Martin. He was converted to guard and has been 1st team All Pro since.
Manziel went at 22 (to Cleveland) and the rest is history (yeah, Jerry wanted Johnny Football but he wasn't gonna win that debate...Garrett, Stephen and McClay all made a case for Martin that JJ could not dispute.)
Footnote: had the Browns not bought into the JFF hype, they still could have had their QB of the future / present in that same draft. Teddy Bridgewater went 10 picks later to the Vikes....and Oakland took one at #36...Derek Carr.