5 bold predictions for Cleveland Browns in 2020

2. Baker Mayfield will complete 66 percent of his passes

Mayfield spent the majority of his 2019 season running for his life. The Browns front office understands that can’t happen again this season. The signing of Conklin and the likely addition of a competent left tackle in the draft should give Mayfield much more time to throw this year.

It’s natural to expect that to translate into a better completion percentage. Accuracy was one of Mayfield’s strongest traits coming into the NFL. The fact that he only completed 58% of his passes last season is more a testament to the pressure that he faced than any issues with his arm.

That’s why he’ll complete at least two-thirds of his throws this year. Stefanski is going to work hard to rebuild his quarterback’s confidence early in the season. The Browns will eventually open things up, but don’t be surprised if it takes a few weeks to really see the scope of what they want to do in the passing game.

It’s subtly a make-or-break year for Mayfield. If he gets quality protection and still struggles to complete passes at a high clip then it could signal a real problem for the Browns. Look for him to bounce back though. He’ll become a much more accurate passer with a clean pocket to work with.