Cleveland Browns: 3 Strongest positions heading into 2018

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: Carlos Hyde #34 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: Carlos Hyde #34 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tyrod Taylor Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 17: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Quarterback

Unlike other position groups, this one won’t affect gameday much — unless of course there’s an injury. While being deep somewhere like wide receiver or linebacker could mean waves of fresh talent coming in throughout the game, the quarterback position relies on one person for 60 minutes — health willing.

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It feels weird to say it considering the history, but here the Cleveland quarterbacks are incredibly solid. We all know the starter is arguably the best we’ve seen in years. Tyrod Taylor comes over after leading the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and aims to get the Browns in the mix this season.

What makes this group impressive though, is that they can stay competitive even if they lost Taylor for a significant amount of time.

No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield proved in the preseason that he can run the offense. He looked poised in the pocket and had great mobility plus a strong and accurate arm. Him being the future means the Browns look good not just for this season, but for the next 10-plus.

Their third quarterback is Drew Stanton. While he’s not a household name, he’s been in the NFL since 2008 and has 17 career starts with an 11-6 record in those starts. His completion percentage leaves a lot to be desired, but he was 3-1 this past season filling in for the Arizona Cardinals and may be the most trustworthy third-string passer in the game.

Times are changing in Cleveland, and their strength at quarterback is proof of that.