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Cleveland Browns: Way too early 53-man roster prediction

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30, 2018: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30, 2018: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after making a catch on a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Quarterback (3):

Baker Mayfield, Drew Stanton, Garrett Gilbert

Finally, there is no quarterback controversy in Cleveland. Baker Mayfield took the job over halfway through Week 3 when Tyrod Taylor was injured and never looked back. He was 6-7 as a starter, although he should have been given credit for the Week 3 win as well since the team was on track for a loss before he came in and saved the day and opened the Bud Light refrigerators.

Mayfield set a team record for most passing yards by a rookie with 3,725 and a league record for touchdown passes with 27. He did this even though former head coach Hue Jackson refused to let him practice with the first team until Taylor was out injured. Had he been able to work with them, and possibly won the starting job, Mayfield could have easily surpassed 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Neither of those goals seems absurd this season as he’s the unquestioned starter from the start. He’s also shown he has a great rapport with new head coach Freddie Kitchens and has more weapons thanks to the arrival of OBJ.

Behind Mayfield is Drew Stanton, who was a good mentor for him as a rookie. Stanton’s stats aren’t overly impressive but he does find ways to win whenever he’s had to start.

Cleveland elects to keep a third quarterback again this year, with Garrett Gilbert being the guy. He performed well for the Orlando Apollos in the now-defunct AAF and is getting a shot to prove he can be a decent backup here.

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