Baker Mayfield 2018 Outlook
After making him the first overall pick in April's Draft, the Browns have Mayfield, a fiery leader with passing skills that they believe can take the team's mojo to the next level. And, as Rookie Scouting Portfolio's Matt Waldman notes, Mayfield and Browns OC Todd Haley are a potentially-good pairing because Haley likes to run a diverse ground game, employing shifts to set up the short passing game with movement. These tendencies befit Mayfield's strengths. Even though the Browns' skill positions (beyond Josh Gordon) aren’t proven, they are athletic and explosive. Despite his resume of improvisational success, Waldman has concerns about Mayfield executing off-script and outside the playbook in the NFL. As long as the Browns can keep Mayfield in situations where he can make quick decisions from the pocket, he'll be productive. The question is when? With Tyrod Taylor expected to open the season as the starter, his ability to lead Cleveland to early victories will be a determining factor. But if Taylor can't maximize the high-end supporting cast the Browns have assembled, Mayfield will get his chance and Cleveland fans might finally see a rookie QB break the recent 0-fer streaks of Cody Kessler and DeShone Kizer.
