Browns rookie QB Baker Mayfield ‘exceeding’ expectations in Cleveland

Since the Cleveland Browns made the move to take former Oklahoma standout quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in this year’s draft, there has been plenty of scrutiny on his play on the practice field.

It has been a progressive process for Mayfield over the last couple of months as he adjusts to the next level. However, head coach Hue Jackson has voiced that the 23-year-old is “exceeding” what’s expected of him so far in training camp, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.

“Baker Mayfield has been everything I thought a quarterback should be for our organization thus far,” coach Hue Jackson said Sunday after an impressive day of practice from the first overall pick in the draft. “He’s doing the things that we want him to do the way we want him to do it, and he’s exceeding those things. Because he’s putting in the time. He doesn’t have a pride or [arrogance] any kind of way.

“His thing is, ‘You guys tell me what you want me to do, and I’m going to do it.’ That’s what he’s done since he’s walked in the building. To me that’s exciting. That’s a player that’s eager to learn, and grow.”

This hasn’t vaunted him to being into serious contention for the starting job over Tyrod Taylor just yet, but it does show that he is taking steps in the right direction. There is a high level of expectations for him to eventually prove to be the long-term answer under center.

The Browns are entering the part of the offseason where they are starting to get a better understanding of what Mayfield can handle at this point. It is a steady process as training camp and the preseason should give them a gauge of how far off he is from being ready to be the starter.

In the meantime, Mayfield has begun to make a strong impression on the coaching staff that should help him work his way toward potentially earning that shot.