Baker Mayfield would prefer to play right away during his rookie season but understands the current pecking order of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart.
The No. 1 overall pick, instead of pouting, is seeking to “take advantage” of a full season during which he can get acclimated to the NFL without the pressure of proving himself every week on the field.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson has unequivocally stated that Tyrod Taylor is the Browns’ starting quarterback. Mayfield, who previously has said he accepts his role, again addressed the situation in such a manner during an interview with former Browns players Browns players Joe Thomas and Andrew Hawkins for Uninterrupted.
“Human nature, just by being a competitive football player, I want to play. But… the best year that I had to experience in college was when I transferred from [Texas] Tech to Oklahoma and I had to sit out,” Mayfield said, as transcribed by Shutdown Corner. “There was so much growth from my freshman year to when I actually played a snap at Oklahoma — was a completely different player…
“It’s a matter of what you do with it. And so right now, how can I make myself the best player? And that’s learning from Tyrod and also Drew Stanton… For me, being able to sit a year, I need to take advantage of that. I’m not in control of when I’m gonna play — whenever that’s gonna be — I just need to be ready for it.”
The Browns have to be encouraged by Mayfield’s mature and pragmatic approach to how the team intends to groom him in 2018. That said, given how Jackson mismanaged the Browns’ quarterback situation last season, especially the inconsistent treatment of DeShone Kizer, anything conceivably can happen.
With that in mind, Mayfield should stay prepared to have his name called at any moment, despite Jackson’s insistence Taylor is the guy.
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