The Browns had the No. 1-overall pick in the draft last April, and though he hasn’t played a down for them through two games, it’s perfectly OK with head coach Hue Jackson.

Cleveland used its first selection on Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma. He is currently the backup to eight-year veteran Tyrod Taylor, who will start Thursday night’s game against the Jets at First Energy Stadium.

Jared Goff, the No. 1-overall choice by the Rams in 2016, spent the first nine games on the bench before getting his first start. But quarterbacks selected No. 1 or No. 2 overall normally have been instant starters, i.e. Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. The investment is too great and expectations too high to keep them on the sidelines for very long.

Nonetheless, the Browns are 0-1-1 and happy with Mayfield learning from the sidelines.

“I think learning to play in the National Football League and understanding all the defensive coordinators and different defenses is the week-to-week grind of pro football,” Jackson said in a conference call with Jets reporters Tuesday. “Being able to sit back and watch is invaluable in my opinion. Everybody is different and I respect that and get that. But I think for us it’s a decision that we made. I think when Baker does play, he’ll be ready to play and play well.”

Taylor, acquired in the offseason from Buffalo before Mayfield was drafted, has played well, though the Browns offense is ranked 23rd in the NFL compared to 18th for the Jets. Taylor has completed 37-of-70 passes for 443 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. A dual threat, he has run 12 times for 103 yards and one touchdown as the Browns tied the Steelers 21-21 in the opener before losing, 21-18, to the Saints on Sunday in New Orleans.

The Jets aren’t surprised Taylor is still the starter.

“He’s a dual-threat quarterback and it’s hard to prepare for a dual threat quarterback,” said defensive end Leonard Williams. “You have to really go after the pocket.”

The Jets, of course, have made rookie Sam Darnold their starter with largely positive reviews. The third-overall pick from Southern Cal has completed 41-of-62 for 532 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. There have been obvious growing pains beginning with a pick-six on his first throw against the Lions. But there has been no regrets starting the 21-year-old instead of veteran Josh McCown.

Jackson didn’t want to get deep into why the Browns chose Mayfield over Darnold.

“I don’t think at this point that really matters,” Jackson said. “More so than anything, Sam has proven he can play in this league. He’s a starter with the New York Jets. We have a very young, talented player that we feel good about who at some point in time is going to get a chance to showcase his talents and ability.”

When that time comes is uncertain. Mayfield showed plenty of promise during the preseason, leading the Browns to three scoring drives when he started the final exhibition against the Lions. Jackson insists Mayfield’s development isn’t being compromised by not playing.

“I think what I try to do for Baker is create opportunities for him in practice to still practice what we do and grow him that way,” Jackson said. “I try to spend as much time with him off the field watching tape and try to see what he sees. I think that keeps him in it. He’s a play away from having to play and I think he gets that. So he prepares himself that way and I think he’ll be ready to go if something was to happen to Tyrod.”

The Browns need to win a game before the public and media start calling for Mayfield. The Jets hope it doesn’t come at their expense Thursday night.