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Mayfield exceeding expectations at Browns training camp

Ken Blaze / USA TODAY Sports

The weight of being the first overall pick is often overwhelming, but Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield is passing his first training camp tests with flying colors.

Mayfield is expected to serve as Tyrod Taylor's backup to begin the 2018 season. However, he may force his way onto the field quickly if the former Sooners standout keeps impressing during training camp.

"Baker Mayfield has been everything I thought a quarterback should be for our organization thus far," Browns head coach Hue Jackson said, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon. "He's doing the things that we want him to do the way we want him to do it, and he's exceeding those things. Because he's putting in the time. He doesn't have a pride or (arrogance) any kind of way.

"His thing is, 'You guys tell me what you want me to do, and I'm going to do it.' That's what he's done since he's walked in the building. To me that's exciting. That's a player that's eager to learn, and grow."

Jackson lauded Mayfield for entering camp without a sense of entitlement after coming off a season when he won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, while also praising him for his deep ball accuracy.

"When you're the first pick in the draft and you walk in, normally like you (see) some guys walk in with their chest out and it's me, me, me," he said.

"(Mayfield's) not about that."

For now, Mayfield is facing an uphill battle to win the Browns' starting quarterback job. But if he continues to shine, Cleveland's preseason schedule may be among the most compelling to monitor.

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