Cleveland Browns News: Baker Mayfield drew Austin Hooper to Browns
By Randy Gurzi
Austin Hooper was a huge signing for the Cleveland Browns and he says Baker Mayfield was a huge reason he decided to join them this offseason
One of the things former Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey loved about Baker Mayfield was his leadership. When he took Mayfield over Sam Darnold, people scoffed but he said players just want to be around him. Apparently, that wasn’t just lip service.
Mayfield didn’t have the best season in 2019, but he is still helping the Browns draw elite talent to Berea. This was proven when new tight end Austin Hooper spoke to the media and said Mayfield was a big reason he was drawn to Cleveland.
Hooper liked how lively Mayfield’s arm looked in person and praised the way his teammates are drawn to him.
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Cleveland Browns News
"“No question, being in a position that is dependent upon getting balls from the quarterback, it was definitely a part of the process for me,’’ Hooper said on a conference call Tuesday. “Playing against Baker Mayfield live, seeing his arm and seeing his competitive spirit and the way he rallies the guys around him, that is what sold me on him before I was obviously a free agent.”"
Hooper said it had been two years since he saw Baker Mayfield live, as the Browns defeated the Falcons in Mayfield’s rookie season. Still, he knew it was a great opportunity and said he “couldn’t turn it down.”
"“Mel Kiper Jr. – ESPN.com: OT Mekhi Becton (Louisville)Of Note: Kiper says he likes the addition of RT Jack Conklin but stresses the Browns still have a glaring need at LT.”"
Mekhi Becton was mocked to the Browns by Mel Kiper but everyone else had them going with Andrew Thomas. Either way, all the experts agree that while Jack Conklin is a good addition at right tackle, the team needs a left tackle in the worst way. And honestly, those two names are both highly likely to be in the orange and brown next year.
Cleveland Browns earn rave reviews for free agency signings — Ben Axelrod, WKYC.com
"“And while they will have to wait until this fall for their signings to translate into wins, that hasn’t stopped the Browns from earning praise for their signings. from analysts and experts. ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert even went as far as to proclaim the Browns as one of his top winners of free agency so far.”"
Most experts Axelrod looked at loved the signings. Bill Barnwell of ESPN was the lone exception, saying Austin Hooper isn’t a star yet despite being paid like one.
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