Cleveland Browns: Steve Smith and why Baker Mayfield will succeed

There’s still a split among fans as to whether or not Baker Mayfield will be a success as the Cleveland Browns quarterback, but Steve Smith highlights why he will

If you’re still on the fence about the Cleveland Browns selection of Baker Mayfield, there’s a new reason out there to believe in the former Oklahoma quarterback. One of the biggest reasons the front office liked Mayfield was the fact he was seen as a leader and people gravitated towards him.

That seems to hold true as he begins to make a name for himself in the NFL. Most recently, Mayfield sat down with former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith, Sr. who said he loved Mayfield’s “attitude and character.”

That’s a positive thing to hear, because being a former wide receiver in the NFL, Smith has the exact kind of personality that Mayfield needs to connect with.

Sure, some may not have liked that he feuded with Colin Cowherd, but he’s not going to battle on Sunday’s with talk show hosts. He’s going to be in the trenches with guys like Smith.

So while Cowherd said he questions Mayfield’s decision making, Smith countered by saying on NFL Network that the rookie is humble but confident. Smith says his confidence arises from him overcoming odds in his life.

Mayfield wasn’t supposed to be a starter in college as he had to walk on. He also wasn’t supposed to be the No. 1 overall pick. He accomplished both though and that gives him the belief that he can do anything.

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A former teammate of the Browns starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, Smith also said he doesn’t think Mayfield will start Week 1 this year. He believes in Taylor as well and applauded the Browns for being patient with their young gun.