Baker Mayfield drew comparisons to Drew Brees throughout the draft process, but Browns coach Hue Jackson said the Browns rookie quarterback has a ways to go to be like the 11-time Pro Bowler.
"You know, I hate to compare. Obviously, I can see people saying that. Until Baker someday gets his opportunity to play that way, then we'll see it," he said Wednesday as Cleveland prepares for Sunday's road game against the Saints.
"Obviously, being compared to Drew Brees, anybody would be excited about that, but this guy is one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League, and we hope that's what Baker is going to be in the future. That's the goal"
Earlier this spring, the Browns made Mayfield the first overall pick in the NFL Draft and quarterback-of-the-future. He'll back up veteran starter Tyrod Taylor this fall. Before that, draftniks and analysts likened the former Oklahoma star and Heisman Trophy winner to Brees as a pair of undersized and accurate signal-callers with poise in the pocket and strong leadership qualities.
Brees, asked about those comparisons Wednesday on a conference call, said he's never spoken to Mayfield but noted they both grew up in the Austin, Texas, area. Brees, who won a Super Bowl in 2010, starred at Purdue while Mayfield stayed closer to home.
"(I) couldn't have been more impressed with what he was able to accomplish in college, especially last year," Brees said. "Really impressed with the way he plays the game, think he's a great competitor. Like I said, I never met him so I can't say that I know him at all, but that's just my observations from afar.
"I think he is going to be a really good professional quarterback. I love his competitiveness and his playmaking ability."
