Cleveland is crossing it’s fingers that Baker is the Best…

The Cleveland Browns went all in on Baker Mayfield, selecting him with the number one overall pick. There’s a lot to like about Mayfield…

The Cleveland Browns went all in on Baker Mayfield, selecting him with the number one overall pick. There’s a lot to like about Mayfield…

Cleveland is crossing it’s fingers that Baker is the Best…

Will Baker be the Face of the Franchise Cleveland desperately is seeking?

The Cleveland Browns went all in on Baker Mayfield, selecting him with the number one overall pick. There’s a lot to like about Mayfield (winner, intangibles, impeccable college production), there are elements that scare you (size, arm strength, decision making). If Mayfield can lead by example and mature along with the team’s core young talent, he could settle Cleveland’s three decade quest to secure a franchise quarterback.

QB Baker Mayfield

  • Size: 6’1” / 215
  • Draft Selection: #1 (2018)
  • Depth Chart: QB2 (learning behind Tyrod Taylor to start ’18; likely starter mid-season)
  • ’18 Outlook: QB3+ (QB2 once he gets starting nod)
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakermayfield/
  • NFL Comparison: Jeff Garcia / Johnny Manziel

Outlook: Being the number one overall selection means being a savior for the franchise, which is very true for the Cleveland Browns, meaning it’s only a matter of time before Mayfield ascends past Tyrod Taylor. He’s not a typical rookie, he’s 22 years old who has started 40 games over the past three years at Oklahoma. Statistically, he put up silly numbers in Oklahoma’s wide open, spread offense. Conversely, those stats were compiled against sub-par defenses in the Big 12, playing alongside a plethora of skill position top recruits. In short, Mayfield checked all the production markers for NFL success but there are questions on his size, arm strength, athletic ability and how Big 12 production translates to the NFL. If he can lead by example, build trust and credibility with his teammates and adapt to the shorter decision making windows at the NFL level, he could be a QB1 for the next decade.

Opportunity: The Cleveland Browns on paper have the best collection and depth of young talent at the skill positions in the NFL. With one of the leagues best pass catching RB’s (Duke Johnson — RB34), one of the best slot receivers (Jarvis Landry — WR34), a monster number one (Josh Gordon — WR22), an athletic freak tight end (David Njoki — TE12), a two-headed 1st/2nd down running threat (Nick Chubb + Carlos Hyde) and more talent behind that group (eg Corey Coleman — WR88 & rookie Antonio Callaway). The offensive line lost a hall of fame performer when Joe Thomas retired, but the cupboard isn’t bare with high priced veteran free agents and draft capital on the roster. The organization history is a concern and potential that Mayfield was over-drafted, but the overall situation is very good.

Long-term: Mayfield is being counted on to settle the longest running NFL quarterback drought, establishing consistency at QB for the Cleveland Browns. He’ll be given every chance to succeed by being surrounded by as much talent as possible and eased into the lineup (with Tyrod Taylor as the starter in ‘18). Mayfield has the intangibles to take the league to the next level, odds project that Mayfield will be at least a multi-year starter but the question is whether he lives up to being the #1 overall pick and develops into a pro-bowl level performer who helps establishes a competitive culture in Cleveland.