The Browns have a new franchise quarterback, as Cleveland has selected Oklahoma signal-caller Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
At various points in the pre-draft process, the Browns had reportedly been eyeing other quarterbacks, such as USC’s Sam Darnold and Wyoming’s Josh Allen. Instead, they’ve gone with a former Heisman Trophy winner in Mayfield in an effort to solidify their quarterback position for years to come.
Cleveland, of course, has been trying and failing to land a long-term passer for some time, and notably passed on prospects such as Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson in recent drafts. With a new general manager in place, and the first and fourth overall picks at their disposal, the Browns always seemed likely to use a top selection on a quarterback.
Mayfield, a former walk-on at both Texas Tech and Oklahoma, is a favorite of many in the analytic community, and posted at 3,700 yards and 35 touchdowns in each of his three campaigns for the Sooners. An excellent passer from the pocket, Mayfield stands at just over six feet tall.
The Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor from the Bills earlier this offseason, and also signed veteran backup Drew Stanton, so Mayfield isn’t expected to begin the 2018 season as the club’s starter. Cleveland has pledged to bring its next quarterback along slowly, but Mayfield could conceivably see the field as the year progresses.
As the first overall pick, Mayfield will sign a four-year, fully guaranteed contract that comes with a fifth-year option for the 2022 seasons. Mayfield’s deal should be worth nearly $33MM, per Over the Cap, including a $22MM signing bonus and a 2018 cap charge of roughly $5.9MM.
FInally after 3 years they draft the best QB I’m hyped for Cleveland
Passed on too many good QBs to take him smh
Ugh.
After all the good QBs they passed on they take this guy smh
too small…
You say that like you’ve heard it yourself.
I really thought that the Browns had finally figured things out… now, I’m not so sure anymore.
RIP Baker Mayfields NFL career, April 26th 2018. Sad, ended before it even started.
Should have taken Barkley and circled back for Mayfield at number four.
He wouldn’t have been there at 4
And traded back from 4 to still get their CB a little later.
Doo doo browns doing brown things again
If you’re not bleeping up, you’re not trying.
Thank you Cleveland for being you.
– Steeler fans
Hell, that comment is true for the entirety of th AFC North.
What do you call a team that has it all set up to kill it in the draft and then blows it?
CLEVELAND
Cleveland could screw up a wet dream. There’s good reason they are known as the mistake by the lake.
They just drafted Johnny Manziel all over again!