Will a Quarterback Competition Happen During Cleveland Browns Training Camp?

What is a Cleveland Browns training camp without a quarterback competition? That is a tough question to answer because there always seems to be one. It will take quite a bit of growth from number one overall pick Baker Mayfield for a quarterback competition to happen in 2018.

Despite using the number one overall pick on the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, the trade for Tyrod Taylor takes precedence in the minds of head coach Hue Jackson and general manager John Dorsey. The veteran Taylor begins his first training camp as the starter. Mayfield is the backup.

“There is no question that we have drafted Baker Mayfield for a reason. I think that he is the future of this franchise,” Jackson said. “Tyrod Taylor has demonstrated all off season what he has needed to show me and the staff to be the starter.

“I go out here to say that I am trying to make this team better,” Mayfield said on day one of training Thursday afternoon. “Whatever role that is, I am going to try to do that.”

#LIVE: QB @bakermayfield at the podiumhttps://t.co/hOip3L13bQ

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 26, 2018

“Just coming out and putting great practices together,” Taylor said on day one of training Thursday afternoon. Of course, leading the group on the offense but also being a leader on the team, the first couple of days are critical because the guys have had a break to be away, and we want to make sure the focus is the same as we get better each and every day, going out there and attacking the goal.”

#LIVE: Tyrod Taylor at the podium https://t.co/VijSYXpJfj

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 26, 2018

Despite not being the number one quarterback on the depth job. Mayfield knows he has to have the mindset of the starting quarterback from day one of camp.

“I would never get my mind right to be a backup,” Mayfield said. “That is the second that I would be complacent. That is the second that I would stop working. You always have to keep working like you are going to be the best. That is the same thing Tyrod has done his whole life, as well. It does not matter the position that you are in; if you are not going to work hard, then you are not doing it right.”

“Baker Mayfield has worked his tail off,” Jackson said. “He has a lot of work to do. He has got to learn this league and understand it better. We are not putting a ceiling on anything. At the same time, we feel very comfortable with our room, exactly how it is made up, with a couple of veteran players and a young, very talented, emerging player.”

Even with the Browns being featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks, a real quarterback competition isn’t likely to take place in Berea, Ohio in 2018.

Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns.