Around the NFL

Jon Gruden wanted Raiders to draft Johnny Manziel

Published: Oct 26, 2014 at 03:19 AM

Jon Gruden spent the entire first round of the 2014 NFL Draft begging the Raiders to draft Johnny Manziel, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.

His interest wasn't only in seeing Manziel succeed, though.

According to Rapoport, Gruden recently told a close friend that the only job he would leave broadcasting for would be with the Oakland Raiders. Gruden maintains a close friendship with Raiders owner Mark Davis.

At the moment, it's hard to believe Oakland would pass into the offseason without at least taking a shot at a big-time head coach in lieu of making Tony Sparano the long-term solution. Gruden's experience with quarterback development would be crucial for rookie Derek Carr.

But it sounds like Gruden would have rather started with a quarterback who will be sitting on the bench when the Raiders take on the Browns on Sunday.

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