Baker's Browns: No. 1 pick Mayfield named starting QB

The Cleveland Browns' offense now belongs to Baker Mayfield, as head coach Hue Jackson named the No. 1 overall pick his new starting quarterback Monday.

"I informed the group this morning that we're going to start Baker Mayfield and Tyrod (Taylor) will be the backup if healthy," Jackson told reporters, via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Mayfield dazzled in his debut last week, leading the Browns to their first victory in 635 days. He entered in relief of a concussed Taylor and threw for 202 yards in two-plus quarters of action as Cleveland fought back from a 14-point deficit versus the New York Jets.

Mayfield will become the Browns' 30th starting quarterback since 1999, though he didn't seem too concerned when asked about it.

"It's 2018, don't really care," he said, according to ClevelandBrowns.com's Andrew Gribble.

Taylor, meanwhile, remained in concussion protocol Monday and was absent from practice. Jackson said he's hopeful the veteran will be cleared to return by the end of the week.

Although the Browns had chances to win both of their first two games with Taylor in the saddle, the offense moved much more effectively under Mayfield.

"Baker understands there's still a lot of work to do," Jackson said. "... Now the other added pressure of being out there first is there. But I think he can handle it. He's demonstrated that."

Jackson was adamant throughout the offseason and preseason that the Browns would be Taylor's team in 2018 before handing the reigns to Mayfield next year.

The Browns will take a 1-1-1 record on the road to the Oakland Raiders in Week 4.

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