Cleveland Browns: 3 things we learned from Baker Mayfield’s debut
3. Jarvis Landry — slot or no slot, it doesn’t matter
After two straight seasons with over 1,100 yards in Miami, Jarvis Landry’s numbers dipped under 1,000 yards and 8.8 yards per reception in 2017. His value seemed to be somewhat diminished as the Dolphins were not able to get much in return for him via trade, though that was at least somewhat expected given his contract situation.
The Dolphins made Landry a franchise player which many scoffed at because he primarily plays from the slot and his yards per reception seemed to indicate he would be making WR1 money without technically being a WR1.
He’s proven through three games that he’s a WR1 no matter where he lines up on the field. For clarification, he does primarily line up in the slot. Nearly three of every four plays he’s on the field, Landry is running routes from the slot and he’s making big plays. His efficiency on a pre-reception basis is up from 8.8 last year to 13.9 this season. If that holds up, it would be the highest average per catch Landry has ever had.
Mayfield entering the fray means more targets for Landry and perhaps more downfield work. Mayfield was one of the best I have ever scouted in college football at making accurate throws deep downfield, and Landry is a mismatch from the slot.
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It doesn’t matter where he lines up, though, as Landry has proven he’s capable of making an impact from any area on the field.
With Mayfield taking things over, it’s clear the Browns are on a new path as a team, one that is no longer a complete joke or laughing stock. As a matter of fact, what the Browns did on Thursday night likely got the rest of the NFL’s attention for all the right reasons, and Mayfield is the biggest of them all.