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Since the Cleveland Browns decided to take former Oklahoma standout quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, there has been much scrutiny on the position.
Much of this has centered on how Mayfield has performed in the offseason workouts in getting acquainted with the playbook while continuing to improve his craft. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, head coach Hue Jackson voiced that the rookie quarterback has continued to show improvement on the practice field.
Article Continues Below“[H]e is progressing and improving,” Jackson said. “I saw some of that improvement today.”
To his credit, Jackson gave a specific example of Mayfield’s improvement.
“Normally, he would flush out to the right side when pressure came,” Jackson said. “He stood in there, especially in our scoring zone area, and made some plays. He stood there and threw the football. That was good to see, but we have to continue to do that. This is the first day.”
Although Tyrod Taylor appears to be firmly still entrenched as the starter to begin the 2018 NFL season, the fact that Mayfield has shown progressive improvement in his play is an encouraging sign. There isn't pressure on him to take on that responsibility from the get-go, but the team is keeping an eye on his performance on the field to see if he's moving toward earning that opportunity.
Mayfield has continued to voice adamantly that he is willing to take on any role that the team will ask of him, but has also made it clear that he's eyeing the starting job. Taylor may have a grip hold on that prestigious spot at this juncture, but the 23-year-old could find himself in the position of getting on the field early on in his rookie campaign if he stays on that progressive track forward.
All of this ultimately falls on Mayfield to prove to the team and coaching staff that he's the best option for the Browns to find success on the field next season.
