Can Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield be the best No. 6 to ever play in the NFL?

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sideline before their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sideline before their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Cleveland Browns hold up a sign in support of Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

What could stand in his way?

There are two things that could stand in the way of Mayfield becoming the star he’s supposed to be in the NFL. Here, we will break both of those down.

No. 1 Injuries

It takes sustained excellence over a meaningful period of time to be considered truly great. In a game of violence, injuries will always be the biggest obstacle in achieving that longevity. While some of these factors are not 100 percent in Mayfield’s control, there are many things he can do to mitigate injury.

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Recognizing blitzes, knowing the blocking schemes, and getting the ball out of his hand will go a long way in keeping him healthy. This is where being a fierce competitor can get you into trouble.

Weighing risk versus reward and living to fight another down is many times the correct call. Mayfield has to recognize that he is far too important to succumb to avoidable injuries.

No. 2 Lack of talent to get the job done.

This is one area that is completely out of Mayfield’s control. Luckily, John Dorsey (along with Jimmy Haslem’s checkbook) has seen to it that it will not be an issue, at least early in Mayfield’s career. The Browns GM has placed Mayfield in the fabled catbird seat.

He will have weapons at his disposal at every position group. If the coaching staff is able to solidify the offensive line then the sky will be the limit for what this offensive unit can achieve.