Baker Mayfield Has "It".....

The Cleveland Browns are one of the NFL's most historical teams. Back in the 1950's, they were historically good. Since the 21st century, they have been historically bad. One of the reasons for the recent ineptitude has been the inability to develop a competent quarterback. It hasn't been for lack of trying.

Baker Mayfield

The Browns have drafted quarterbacks like Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, amd Deshon Kaiser. Weeden had a good arm, but no football smarts. Manziel was a party animal that threw away his career. Kaiser had good size, a good arm (if not accurate), but was thrown into the fire too soon with no support. That brings us to "Baker - Baker - The Touchdown Maker."

The Browns had the number 1 choice in the NFL draft and decided on Mayfield. Why? There were bigger quarterbacks available. One had a better arm. But Mayfield has "it". I'll say it right now. Baker Mayfield will be a very good NFL quarterback. Let's take a closer look at his career.

Mayfield went to high school in Austin, Texas. He started 2 years in high school, and led his team to the 2011 4A Texas State Championship. The college recruiting services rated him as a 3-star prospect. Good, but not great. He decided to enroll at Texas Tech University WITHOUT a scholarship. He became the season opening starting quarterback. He may be the first walk-on quarterback to start his first game.

Due to scholarship issues with Texas Tech, Mayfield transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2014. He was still a walk-on at Oklahoma, but after sitting out a year for transferring, Mayfield won the starting quarterback job again. He became a star at Oklahoma. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2016, and won the award in 2017.

Mayfield celebrates victory in Columbus, OH.

Mayfields college career was not without controversy. Like many college kids, Mayfield was arrested for intoxication. He stupidly tried to flee the scene, but was immediately caught. He instantly realized how stupid that was and apologized and expressed remorse to the officers. (It's on tape.) In 2016, The Ohio State Buckeyes visited Oklahoma and beat them pretty bad. In a revenge game in 2017, Mayfield led Oklahoma to a victory against Ohio State in Columbus. After the game, Mayfield took an Oklahoma flag, and planted it at midfield at "The Shoe". This did not please the Ohio State faithfull. After scoring a touchdown against Kansas that year, Mayfield grabbed his crotch and cursed the other team. All caught on national television. Mayfield publicly apologized for the incident.

So what can we learn about this guy based on his history. First, I have to say he is a real football talent. He's won a lot of games as a quarterback. Second, he has confidence. Confidence to bet on himself and his ability. Third, he is a leader. He has a fire to win. His teammates love the guy.

Baker will work behind Tyrod Taylor.

So the Browns have drafted him, but the plan is to bring him along slowly. The Browns will be starting Tyrod Taylor  at quarterback. Taylor is a competent veteran QB who should do fine. Mayfield will be learning by watching and studying the game.

So far all we have to talk about is Mayfield's appearance in a pre-season game against the Giants. He looked great. He showed good athletic ability. A very good arm. Very good decision making. And the  ability to be a leader of men. He has "it".

Nobody can measure :it". You cant weigh it or time it. But "it" is exactly what the Cleveland Browns need. Good luck to Baker Mayfield.