–The Browns could have drafted quarterback Derek Carr in 2014, but instead chose Johnny Manziel with the 22nd pick in the first round to be their elusive “quarterback of the future.” Carr was selected by the Raiders 36th overall, one pick after the Browns drafted left guard Joel Bitonio with their third pick in the draft that year.
Former general manager Ray Farmer used his first choice, No. 8 overall on cornerback Justin Gilbert.
–Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins is so fired up about rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield he is predicting Mayfield could be the next LeBron James in the Cleveland sports world.
“I keep saying this is the Baker era,” Higgins said. “If it pans out, he might be the next big thing. He might be on the LeBron wall.”
A bigger-than-life size LeBron James Nike banner that hung on the outside wall of a downtown building was removed when the former Cavaliers star left Cleveland to sign with the Lakers.
–Running back Carlos Hyde is a happy man these days. He played against the Jets while his wife was in the hospital about to give birth. He rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns, dressed quickly after the game and got to the hospital just in time for the special moment.
“It was a handful day right there,” Hyde said. “Just being at the hospital, getting to the game, playing the game, then having to get back to the hospital and then my son was actually born two hours later after the game. I was in the room when he came out. I was one of the first people he saw.”
–The Browns have 11 takeaways after three games. They had an NFL low of 13 last season. The negative side of what they’ve done this season is they have only one touchdown and two field goals off those takeaways. The touchdown was on a drive that began at the Steelers 1. Greg Joseph kicked a 27-yard field against the Jets after the offense failed to advance the ball even a yard on three plays following a fumble recovery at the Jets 8.
BY THE NUMBERS: 30 — Baker Mayfield will become the 30th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999 when he takes his first snap in Oakland on Sunday.
