NFL Draft: Grading each first round pick after five weeks

With roughly one-quarter of the season in the books, we look at each first-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft and grade their early performance.

It’s hard to place the value of a rookie first-round pick so early in their career. As much as teams would like to see immediate returns on what they did in the NFL Draft. Yet, that’s not always the case. Regardless, we’re going to assess the early performances of the top-32 picks from the 2018 draft.

Unfortunately, there were a few injuries and those players get an incomplete. As for the other members of the 2018 NFL Draft class, we’re looking at how they’ve performed to this point, and not taking into account what could be coming down the line just yet. Oh, and don’t think we’re grading on a curve either.

Here the grades for each first-round rookie through the first five weeks of the 2018 NFL season.

Note: These grades were assessed prior to Thursday Night Football between the Giants and Eagles.

1. Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield

The Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield first overall to the surprise of many. A controversial pick to say the least, he wasn’t expected to start early on. However, after sitting a couple games, an injury to Tyrod Taylor gave way to Mayfield. The results so far have the Browns with two wins, more than in the previous two seasons combined. Their 2-2-1 record has them sitting ahead of the Steelers and one game away from second place in the AFC North.

In his two starts, Mayfield has a modest three touchdowns and three interceptions. However, his 59 percent completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt top all rookie quarterbacks to this point. He’s still growing as a passer in a run-heavy offense that doesn’t have a big-play threat outside. Still, he’s done a solid job and wins matter for quarterbacks more than most positions.

Grade: B+

2. New York Giants – Saquon Barkley

Coming out of Penn State, there weren’t many analysts who didn’t have Saquon Barkley as the best running back prospect to come out since Adrian Peterson. Like Mayfield before him, the pick was controversial considering the quaterbacks left on the board — specifically Sam Darnold — and the New York Giants’ need to find Eli Manning’s successor.

Nevertheless, Barkley proved the hype wasn’t just hype. Over the first few weeks of the season, the Giants offense revolved around the rookie runner. Barkley placed fifth in total receiving/rushing touchdowns with five and 10th in all-purpose yards. Despite the horrible offensive line play, Barkley is on pace for nearly 100 catches and just under 1,000 rushing yards.

Grade: A