Browns' Mayfield refuses to accept backup mentality

Although Baker Mayfield has shown a willingness to learn from veteran Tyrod Taylor, he wants to make one thing clear: he's not preparing to be a backup ahead of his rookie season.

Mayfield was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft and has praised Taylor several times throughout the summer. However, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is preparing to battle Taylor until the very end.

"I would never get my mind right to be a backup,'' Mayfield said via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "That's the second that I would be complacent. That's the second that I'd stop working. You've always got to keep working like you're going to be the best and that's the same thing Tyrod (Taylor) has done his whole life. It doesn't matter the position you're in. If you're not going to work hard then you're not doing it right."

Taylor is taking the vast majority of first-team reps in practice but Mayfield isn't deterred.

"They're doing everything they think is right and I believe in that and I believe in them, so when it comes down to the stuff that they're saying, that's not going to change my work ethic and if it does, then something's wrong."

Taylor was acquired by the Browns in March from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a third-round pick after leading his former club to their first playoff appearance this century. Browns head coach Hue Jackson reiterated that Taylor will be the starter this fall, but Mayfield is determined to make this one of the NFL's most interesting training camp storylines.

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