The Browns have landed their quarterback of the future, selecting Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, is the first quarterback taken by Cleveland at No. 1 since it drafted Tim Couch in 1999.
Mayfield, a two-time walk-on and lightly-regarded high school recruit, will go down as one of college football's most productive players. After transferring from Texas Tech to Oklahoma, he completed 70 percent of his passes for 12,292 yards and 119 touchdowns against 21 interceptions in three seasons with the Sooners.
In a deep class of quarterbacks, Mayfield earned high marks for his accuracy, mobility, toughness and competitive fire.
"I think he's very competitive on the football field. I think his teammates absolutely love him," general manager John Dorsey said at March's owners meetings. "I think everybody in the support organization of Oklahoma loves him. I think he's got a degree of humility in his person."
"I think he's outstanding," head coach Hue Jackson said. "Spending that time with him, what a leader, tremendous person."
Mayfield, who is the Browns' second No. 1 pick in as many years -- joining defensive end Myles Garrett -- is expected to sit behind veteran Tyrod Taylor next season. Taylor, whom Cleveland acquired via trade with Buffalo at the start of free agency, was named the starting quarterback last month.
