5 bold predictions for Cleveland Browns in 2021
1. Baker Mayfield will throw at least 35 touchdown passes
Mayfield took a meaningful step forward in 2020, but there’s still plenty of room for him to grow before he becomes an elite quarterback. Throwing 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions was solid progress for the former No. 1 overall pick, but the expectations for his play in 2021 are even higher.
The Browns front office deserves a ton of credit for finally giving Mayfield the sort of protection he requires to succeed. The quality of his offensive line should give the young quarterback even more comfort waiting for long patterns to develop this year. The end result should be more big plays in the passing game.
Adding that extra dimension to the offense is going to cause Mayfield’s touchdown total to skyrocket. Look for him to take that total from 26 to over 35 next year. He might throw a few more picks as a result of taking those additional chances, but that’s a side effect the Browns can accept.
Next. Cleveland Browns 7-round mock draft. dark
Mayfield is never going to be the MVP candidate the Browns hoped he could become when he was the team’s No. 1 overall pick, but he does have the upside to be a top-10 starter. Flirting with 40 touchdown passes this year should help Mayfield cement his status as a top-tier starter.