Browns' Jackson reiterates Taylor is starter, but says Mayfield will compete

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson said once again Saturday that Tyrod Taylor is his starter for the 2018 campaign, but left the door open for the possibility of Baker Mayfield earning the job in camp.

"Tyrod is the starter. Baker is gonna compete," Jackson said, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. "However that unfolds, that unfolds. But we have a plan."

Prior to the draft, Jackson said Taylor would be the starter regardless of whom the Browns selected with the No. 1 overall pick.

However, Mayfield is arguably more pro-ready than the other two quarterbacks Cleveland was considering - Sam Darnold and Josh Allen - and the Browns appear to be open to starting him early if he's ready.

"You have to let the tape tell the story. His football I.Q. is as high as any I've been around," Jackson said, according to Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald.

Jackson lauded Mayfield for his fiery competitiveness, comparing him to one of the best quarterback leaders in the game.

"When I think of Philip Rivers, that's what it is," Jackson said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. "They're trying to beat you every chance you get.''