Baker Mayfield on Johnny Manziel Comparison: We're 2 Completely Different People

Once again, Baker Mayfield is backing away from any comparisons to Johnny Manziel.

The Oklahoma product, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick Thursday night, told Peter King of The MMQB that the pair were "two completely different people."

“It’s understandable, obviously. First-round picks by the Browns, close to the same size, playmakers," Mayfield said. "But we’re two completely different people. I care about winning. I care about doing things the right way. I just want to be judged for who I am.” 

Many had pegged either Sam Darnold or Josh Allen for the top spot throughout the draft process, but the Browns had been locked in on Mayfield for some time. The pair were not only linked because of their size and similar flair for improvisational playmaking but also because of Mayfield's brash nature.

Those comparisons were only furthered when Mayfield was arrested in February 2017 on public intoxication, disorderly conduct, fleeing and resisting arrest charges. The University of Oklahoma had him undergo alcohol counseling and do 35 hours of community service.

"He got in a little bit of trouble last year but that's just part of being in college," Manziel told Barstool Sports in a podcast released before the draft. "When you're in college, mostly any quarterback that's on campus is the man on campus. They're gonna go out, they're gonna have some drinks, and one night you're gonna drink too much and something's gonna happen that shouldn't have happened." 

Manziel, who is attempting an NFL comeback, said he understands Mayfield and his camp attempting to distance themselves from the comparison. The former Heisman winner spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons in Cleveland, throwing for 1,675 yards and seven touchdowns against seven interceptions. The Browns released him after the 2015 campaign amid myriad off-field issues.

Manziel has sat out the last two NFL seasons.

The Browns will certainly hope their latest gamble on an undersized quarterback with a history of alcohol-related trouble pays off. Otherwise, the franchise will be headed for a third decade of futility at the position.