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NFL Draft: Which rookie quarterbacks will play most in 2018?

By Rucker Haringey

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2018 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2018 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Baker Mayfield – Cleveland Browns

Mayfield might be the toughest quarterback to project for next season. The Browns clearly brought in Tyrod Taylor to serve as a caretaker for the position. On the other hand, taking a quarterback with the first-overall pick carries certain expectations.

In the end, it’s fair to expect the Browns to give Mayfield every opportunity to win this job at some point during the season. Taylor should be the starter Week 1, but his chances of finishing the season as the Browns’ starter are pretty remote.

The choice between Mayfield and Taylor simply comes down to upside. Taylor projects, at best, as an adequate NFL starting quarterback. The Browns believe Mayfield has the chance to be a star. At some point, Cleveland will elect to go with the player with the highest ceiling.

The solid bet is for Taylor to serve as the starter until Cleveland falls hopelessly out of Playoff contention. After that, there won’t be any reason to leave Mayfield on the sidelines. He projects to get some serious garbage time action for the Browns late in the season.

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