The Cleveland Browns will soon officially be on the clock, and the long-suffering franchise is expected to select a quarterback. And they could be eyeing Baker Mayfield over Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen.
According to NFL reporter Benjamin Allbright, there is “buzz building” about Mayfield as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft.
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/988414376989339649
Cleveland would be wise to consider Mayfield, who set multiple NCAA records while leading Oklahoma to three straight Big 12 championships. But it’s also possible the buzz is a bit of a smokescreen, since previous reports have linked him to the New York Jets.
Although the Browns already hold the Nos. 1 and 4 picks, perhaps they could entice New York to trade up again. This time, the Jets would undoubtedly send multiple first-round choices to Cleveland if Mayfield is very clearly “their” guy.
That’s probably only realistic if the Browns want Allen or Darnold and either have no preference or covet Allen, since the Giants have long been connected with the latter. Adding extra draft picks while still selecting the top option sure is appealing, though.
Regardless, Mayfield shouldn’t be waiting long to hear his name called.