With the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield. The quarterback joins Lee Roy Selmon, Billy Sims, Brian Bosworth, and Sam Bradford as former Oklahoma Sooners selected in the first round at the top of the draft order.
From walk-on to @HeismanTrophy winner to No. 1 overall pick in the #NFLDraft, @bakermayfield’s dream is a reality!
#BakerMayfield @Browns #OUDNAhttps://t.co/b4lA646tlw pic.twitter.com/rIMDTacpuC— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) April 27, 2018
However, Mayfield’s journey began as a walk-on at Texas Tech University where the then freshman started seven games for the Red Raiders. After one season, the competitive leader began searching for another destination. Landing in Norman, Mayfield made it clear that he was not going to shy away from competition.
Earning the starting job in 2015, the quarterback flourished in Lincoln Riley’s system at the University of Oklahoma. Posting record breaking numbers, the senior appeared in two College Football Playoff semi-finals. Possessing a team first mentality, a National Championship would have meant the most to Mayfield. Yet, the biggest individual award given to him was certainly the Heisman Trophy this past season.
Needless to say, the Cleveland Browns are getting a competitive quarterback who know what it takes to lead a locker room. In combination, Mayfield proved to be an efficient passer. Could this “controversial” pick jump start a lackluster NFL Franchise?