The Cleveland Browns are once again entering a season with plenty of uncertainty at the quarterback position — a storyline that’s become all too familiar. Cleveland has experience in veterans Joe Flacco and Lenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. There’s a chance Deshaun Watson doesn’t suit up in 2025 as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury.
While the Browns remain stuck in quarterback purgatory, their former No. 1 overall pick was just named the No. 10 quarterback in the NFL, according to ESPN. The rankings were compiled from anonymous scouts, executives, and coaches around the league.
Anonymous NFL scout reminds the Browns of what they lost in Baker Mayfield
“Fearless as a thrower and a runner,” an NFL personnel evaluator told ESPN about Mayfield. “He’s got on-field leadership where teammates want to support him. Much better arm than he’s given credit for. Good mover in the pocket and can rush for yards. Attacks the third level of the defense. When he’s got time [in the pocket], he’s as good as almost anybody right now.”
Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick by the Browns in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite during his rookie season. A rocky sophomore year gave way to a strong third campaign, but a shoulder injury in his fourth year put a damper on his time in Cleveland. His performance declined, and the Browns moved on, trading for Deshaun Watson.
Mayfield’s stint with the Carolina Panthers didn’t work out either after being traded there, but he showed signs of a resurgence with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2022 season. That brief success earned him a one-year deal with the Buccaneers in 2023 — and he made the most of it, playing his way into a long-term contract.
Last season, Mayfield threw for 41 touchdowns, 4,500 yards, and completed 71 percent of his passes. The Browns would do anything at this point for that level of quarterback play. While the Buccaneers boast a dynamic receiving corps headlined by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, there’s no denying the talent Baker Mayfield has developed into.
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