The Cleveland Browns taking a quarterback with the No. 1 Overall Pick was about the only thing all experts seemed to agree on heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. However, the name of the quarterback continued to live in a constant state of flux.
Initially, the talk surrounded Josh Allen who has been rated by Mel Kiper at the top quarterback prospect in the class. Then, Sam Darnold’s name entered the conversation as the former USC quarterback took over in the conversation. At the beginning of Draft Week, the name of Baker Mayfield surfaced as a legitimate candidate.
Now, here fans sit on the day of the Draft still unsure of who the first name called will be.
In the final mock draft of the year, Pro Football Focus slotted Mayfield as the No. 1 Overall Pick. Following suit, Mel Kiper’s final mock draft also placed the former Oklahoma Sooner quarterback at the top of list. It’s been noted that Kiper’s projections are not based on best available, rather the EPSN mock draft is based upon what Kiper has been hearing from sources.
This notion has been backed by several other personalities with sources of their own.
Browns continue to keep the decision on their No. 1 pick a secret, but there is a mounting belief from HCs and GMs around the league that Cleveland will take Baker Mayfield.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2018
Baker is going #1. That’s happening, but figuring out 2 will be extremely difficult since the buzz is that the Giants don’t love these QBs. The Bills could move to 2 but would they take Allen or Darnold? Do we live in a world where it’s Mayfield, Allen and THEN Darnold?
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 26, 2018
One veteran NFL executive tells me he believes the #Browns will select Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 26, 2018
#1 Pick odds – UPDATED
Baker Mayfield -150
Sam Darnold +100
Josh Allen +800
Saquon Barkley 16/1
Josh Rosen 40/1— RJ Bell (@RJinVegas) April 26, 2018