2018 NFL Redraft: Lamar Jackson saves the Cleveland Browns

1. Cleveland Browns: Lamar Jackson, QB (Baker Mayfield, QB)

Two years removed from the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson is the best player in the class. It’s not a total runaway contest considering some of the other All-Pros that went in 2018, but the Browns needed a quarterback. Jackson is the only proven signal-caller from his draft. The other quarterbacks either floundered or remain unproven.

The Browns drafted Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in 2018, surprising several analysts. Sam Darnold had the most media hype leading up to the draft and seemed like the consensus first overall pick at one point. However, Mayfield rose up draft boards late, and the Browns jumped on his polished style over Darnold’s potential.

The Mayfield selection worked for a year, but the former Heisman Trophy winner crumbled in his second NFL season, throwing 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Meanwhile, Jackson broke records in his second year and won the league MVP award. He also went 13-2 as a starter while Mayfield and the Browns underachieved with a 6-10 record.

There’s one massive concern about Jackson going first overall, and that’s the team he’s joining. The Baltimore Ravens went through some growing pains with Jackson in 2018 as Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman and Head Coach John Harbaugh adjusted to the Louisville product’s style. However, the Ravens possess a well-established, trustworthy core of leaders. The Browns seemingly change coaches and staffs every year.

For all of his talent, Jackson could struggle in Cleveland because of the incompetence of the organization. Nevertheless, the former 32nd overall pick goes from last to first in the first-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Maybe he can maximize the talent placed around him, unlike Mayfield.