Baker Mayfield's mindset hasn't changed.
His status as a backup quarterback to Tyrod Taylor as training camp starts was reaffirmed Wednesday by general manager John Dorsey and coach Hue Jackson, but as Mayfield begins his first camp as a Brown, he's ready to go.
"Could not be more excited from my first training camp in the NFL," Mayfield said. "Good opportunity."
As the No. 1 pick in last season's draft, Mayfield enters camp with high expectations. During his first day, he worked closely with Taylor and Browns quarterback coach Ken Zampese. Zampese is no stranger to No. 1 overall picks beginning their careers behind a veteran starter. He coached the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, Carson Palmer, who backed up Jon Kitna before taking over the following year in Cincinnati.
Mayfield impressed with some throws during Cleveland's public practice Thursday, including a dart to the back of the end zone for a touchdown during 11-on-11 red-zone drills. He and Taylor threw out-routes at the beginning of practice as well.
The Browns held their first open training camp practice of 2018.
Jackson said he saw improvement in Mayfield from OTAs, particularly with what he did in the red zone. For Mayfield, just being at camp Thursday was a goal; he hadn't signed his rookie contract as of Tuesday. But then the storyline changed when Mayfield signed a four-year deal later that night, opening the door for him to participate on the first day of camp.
"Both parties involved, we had one goal; to make sure that I was here from Day 1 and be a part of this team, so that we could improve every day," Mayfield said.
In college, he racked up many Oklahoma and Big XII records and led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff last season. He's a proven winner. So when he was approached about the Browns' 0-16 season from a year ago, he — and the rest of the Browns — maintained they're only looking forward. A new season, a clean slate and a winning culture lie ahead.
"When you talk about a new season, the record from the past year goes out the window," Mayfield said. "The culture around here – yes, I am new to it, but have made so many changes. This ownership and management has made so many changes. They are bringing in guys that have a fresh mindset, because you have to hit the reset button every year. It does not matter if you win the Super Bowl or you go 0-16, you start fresh and you have not done anything for this season yet. We are working to be the best team in the country and that it our mindset."
