The Browns finally hit on their first round draft picks

Baker Mayfield QB 1st overall pick 2018
Tim Couch QB 1st overall pick 1999

Baker has been pretty good in his three career games. What has stood out the most is his leadership, big-play ability in the passing game, accuracy and the confidence he has instilled in the offense. His stats won’t blow you away since he’s only completing 58.9% of his passes (Browns have a 7.6% drop rate per ESPN NFL Matchup) for 838 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions but he has the Browns 2-1 in the games he’s played.

Tim Couch also was forced into duty as a rookie and didn’t fair too well. Couch led the Browns to two wins in the 15 games he played. He completed 55.9% of his passes for 2447 yards, 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also was sacked a total of 56 times a number Mayfield won’t come close to since he has a much better offensive line.

The Mayfield and Couch comparison is harder to gauge. Couch had a bigger arm, was a bigger athlete and had more overall talent but Mayfield has the intangibles with better talent surrounding him. Mayfield has the accuracy edge but also has the ability to make teammates rally behind him and gives the offense more confidence. His big-play ability in key moments has been a key factor in the Browns wins this year.

Edge: Baker Mayfield

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