5 bold predictions for the Cleveland Browns in 2018

5 of 5

BEREA, OH – JUNE 13, 2018: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a mandatory mini camp on June 13, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by: 2018 Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

1. Baker Mayfield won’t make a meaningful start

The Browns have the right idea in letting Tyrod Taylor begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback. He’s the perfect bridge for Mayfield. Cleveland fans may want to see the transition happen soon, but they shouldn’t expect to see Mayfield on the field for quite some time.

The prediction here is that Mayfield will not start a football game when the Browns still have a shot at making the playoffs. Expect the No. 1 pick to get some token starts at the end of the season, but he will stay glued to the sidelines for at least the first half of the 2018 campaign.

Perhaps things would be different if Mayfield was already pushing Taylor on the practice field. Per local reports, that is not happening. That’s a long-term concern for Browns fans, but it shouldn’t really change much in the short-term. The plan has always been to let Taylor carry the load for a significant period of time. The Browns want to be competitive this season, trying to do that with a rookie quarterback would be quite a challenge.

Next: Browns fans should be worried about Baker Mayfield's slow start

Mayfield might ultimately bloom into a top-notch NFL quarterback, but he’s not the guy to win the Browns games this season. Expect to see him holding a clipboard for most of the season. He won’t take meaningful starts from Tyrod Taylor this year unless an injury befalls the veteran starter.

Home/Cleveland Browns