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The Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. A strong rookie season was followed by a massively disappointing one in 2019 though.
And those struggles came with critics and plenty of doubt. According to Fred Greetham of 247Sports.com, even Mayfield”absolutely” doubted himself over those two years.
“”I wouldn't say it's a poor me situation,” Mayfield said. “Having success in high school and college and having standard so high, the last two years have been roller coaster of emotion and not as much success as I'm used to.
“I lost myself not having that success,” he said. “I wasn't able to be who I am for the team. You've got to find that belief.”
Mayfield admitted he “absolutely” doubted himself during the roller coaster of the last two years.”
Like any rookie, especially those drafted first overall, Mayfield had his doubters when he came into the league in 2018. Then his rookie season was great. In 14 games (13 starts) he threw for 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns (14 interceptions).
He still had his doubters but for the most part, Mayfield had won people over.
The in the offseason heading into 2019, Cleveland made additions to the team that should have made things even easier for the quarterback. That included adding wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the roster.
It was time for the QB to take over the league. Instead, he played in all 16 games and threw for just 3,827 yards — barely 100 yards more than the year before, despite much more playing time.
Meanwhile, he threw less touchdowns (22) and more interceptions (21) than the year prior.
With that the doubters came back. And it sounds like Mayfield has been one of them. It's not surprising to hear a player has doubts in himself. Even someone perceived as “cocky” like the quarterback is.
But that also means he is working hard to erase those doubts. And that's something Cleveland fans should be excited about heading into year three of the Mayfield era.
