Five Cleveland Browns who helped their causes in the team scrimmage

AKRON, Ohio -- Johnny Manziel scrambled, an unheralded defensive lineman rumbled and an undrafted receiver from Ball State continued to make a case for a spot on the Browns' roster.

The franchise conducted its annual Family Day scrimmage Saturday at InfoCision Stadium. The defense dominated and accounted for the only two touchdowns. Fans got the opportunity to see favorites like cornerback Joe Haden and left tackle Joe Thomas, but this time of year is about evaluating fresh talent and position battles.

Here's a snapshot of five players who helped their causes to either make the team or climb the depth chart:

Defensive lineman Jacobbi McDaniel: The undrafted rookie scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery and tipped a pass that resulted in a Barkevious Mingo interception. He also applied some good pressure on quarterbacks.

The good news is the 6-foot, 293-pound lineman was the star of the scrimmage. The bad news is the Browns have continuity and depth at the position. Mingo likes what he sees in the Florida State product. "The guy is going to be a stud," he said. "He's wreaking havoc on the line."

Wide receiver Willie Snead: The Browns need one of their young receivers to emerge. One week into training camp the Ball State product has been the most active and reliable. On Saturday, he caught two passes for 23 yards with both receptions carrying for first downs.

His stock rose while fellow youngster Charles Johnson's dipped. Johnson dropped what would have been a Johnny Manziel touchdown pass. Miles Austin was the best receiver on the day – three catches for 38 yards – but his place in the lineup isn't questioned.

Highlights from Cleveland Browns Family Day scrimmageThe Cleveland Browns held their annual Family Day scrimmage at InfoCision Stadium in Akron in front of 20,673 fans. They saw glimpses of Johnny Manziel looking more like Johnny Football as he scrambled out of the pocket on several plays during the unscripted scrimmage.

Quarterback Johnny Manziel: His numbers weren't impressive – 3-of-7 for 14 yards passing – but he made and extended some plays with his legs and showed glimpses of his Heisman self. He performed better in the scrimmage – more Johnny-like, if you will – than at any point in the first week of training camp.

After an ugly first series, he directed a 16-play drive that generated 63 yards. Manziel had one potential touchdown dropped by Charles Johnson and another ruled out of bounds after Gary Barnidge made a nice grab on a Manziel roll-out pass. His inability to stand in the pocket and deliver passes remains worrisome, but he creates trouble on the run. He looked comfortable running a few read options and finished with 14 yards rushing on two attempts.

Defenders weren't allowed to hit quarterbacks Saturday. That changes a week from today in the first preseason game at Detroit.

"If he was a regular quarterback in this league, you'd be licking your chops, but it's Johnny Manziel, Mingo said. "He can plant. He can take it the other way. We can't hit him, but you just never know what he's going to do."

Linebacker Craig Robertson: The third-year pro is trying to hold off rookie Chris Kirksey for the starting inside job alongside Karlos Dansby. He intercepted a Connor Shaw pass, a play that resulted in a touchdown. The only demerit was Robertson fumbled after getting hit by a fellow defender and McDaniel got credit for the TD.

Linebacker Zac Diles: A pick six, even in a team scrimmage, never hurts your cause. The 29-year-old journeyman intercepted a Connor Shaw pass and returned it for a touchdown.

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