Latest On Browns, Baker Mayfield

Shortly after Super Bowl LII’s conclusion, the Browns continued planning their exhaustive research process about the 2018 quarterback class. Baker Mayfield looks to feature prominently in this pre-draft routine.

The Browns contacted the Heisman Trophy winner and set up a pre-draft visit, Robert Klemko of TheMMQB.com reports, adding this doubles as Mayfield’s first invite.

Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, however, notes nothing is finalized about a Mayfield summit yet. But it’s expected. Cabot reports the Browns will bring in all of the top quarterback prospects for visits before the draft. They’ve been connected to four passers in what promises to be a unique offseason.

Part of the complexity now comes from Scot McCloughan, whom the Browns are using as a consultant during the process. A scouting guru, the former Redskins GM could be working toward a full-time role with the Browns, Cabot notes. And he hasn’t made his Mayfield feelings much of a secret.

McCloughan has praised Mayfield during multiple radio interviews, and by the time he made pro-Mayfield comments on Jan. 18, Cabot reports he was already moving toward his consulting role with the Browns. During the interview, McCloughan said he would take Mayfield over Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen.

He is a competitive guy. He wears it on his sleeve from the standpoint of emotions,” McCloughan said (via Denver-based 104.3 The Fan). “He plays with strength throughout his body, and the fact that he’s just a football player — it’s impressive. It’s a really good class this year coming out in the draft for quarterbacks. But I know this, if I was going to play one game tomorrow, he’d be my guy — hands down.”

Considering the influence he’ll have in the coming months, these comments are certainly illuminating. Cabot reports McCloughan was talking up Mayfield to John Dorsey at the Senior Bowl last month.

As a Seahawks exec, McCloughan helped make the decision to use a third-round pick on 6-foot Russell Wilson. Considering the troubles the Browns have experienced at quarterback since rebooting their franchise, and the current pick they hold, this decision qualifies as a much higher-profile call.

Both Dorsey and Hue Jackson prefer taller quarterbacks, per Cabot, who previously wrote she doesn’t expect Mayfield to be the top Browns choice. Few mock drafts have him going to Cleveland. Klemko ranks the Browns as Mayfield’s most likely landing spot and adds his experience and football aptitude could sway Dorsey, who said Patrick Mahomes‘ ability to process some of Andy Reid‘s playbook during the parties’ pre-draft summit helped influence the Chiefs’ decision to trade up for the raw Texas Tech passer.

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