The city of Cleveland is rocking right now after the number one overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft Baker Mayfield helped lead the team to their first victory since 2016 when the Browns beat the Jets last Thursday night.
Many were surprised when the Browns picked Mayfield number one, including Hall of Famer and former Browns great Jim Brown, who has high praise for the former Oklahoma star:
“You have to understand that the administration drafted this young man number one,” Brown told TMZ Sports. “They had a reason for doing that. We are starting to recognize why now, right? He’s a gunslinger, he can throw the ball; he’s got a great attitude, he’s young. I like everything about him.”
Before the draft, Brown wanted Cleveland to draft RB Saquon Barkley, who was selected number two by the Giants after Mayfield, but Brown is happy that the Browns did not listen to him:
“They picked him because they had confidence in their ability to judge probably character and the talent,” Brown said. “And they didn’t go with what everybody said, including myself. They went with what they thought was correct, and I really appreciate being able to say to them, ‘Well, I guess you were right. It’s only been a couple of games, but I know you’re right.’ So, I give them my apology for not understanding how brilliant they were to pick a guy number one, and have it come out this way.”
Brown is so excited about Mayfield that he believes the Browns can make the playoffs this season.
When asked by TMZ Sports if Cleveland can win the AFC North, Brown had this to say:
“Absolutely!”
At this point, it seems the AFC North is fairly wide open, and if Mayfield can continue to play well, the playoffs are a possibility. However, Mayfield is a rookie, and sometimes young players can be inconsistent. Therefore, it’s hard to have complete trust in Mayfield.
We’ll see if Mayfield can keep the magic going against the Raiders on Sunday.