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NFL Draft: Grading each first round pick after five weeks

By Michael Johnson

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets celebrates a play with Parry Nickerson #43 against the Denver Broncos during the second half in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets celebrates a play with Parry Nickerson #43 against the Denver Broncos during the second half in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. New York Jets – Sam Darnold

The quarterback position is one that doesn’t always automatically translates from college to the NFL. Sam Darnold, with all his talent, has shown promise early on with the New York Jets. His record his 2-3 as a starter, but he’s tossed seven touchdowns thus far, including two in his debut victory over the Lions. Additionally, he tossed three touchdowns to just one interception in their 34-16 victory against the Broncos.

His completion percentage took a drastic hit over the last two weeks, hitting on 50 and 45 percent of his throws, respectively. Nevertheless, Darnold continues to show flashes, instilling confidence in the Jets franchise that’s been looking for a quarterback since Mark Sanchez flamed out.

Grade: B-

4. Cleveland Browns – Denzel Ward

Since the Browns drafted him over Bradley Chubb, Denzel Ward has proven doubters wrong. Since entering the league, Ward’s been on fire. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Ward has been superb in coverage, including allowing the lowest passer rating in the league in Week 5.

Moreover, quarterbacks might not want to throw his way. Ward is a gifted man corner, physical at the line and plays with aggression ideally suited for Gregg Williams’ scheme. Ward also appears to have the intellect of a veteran and ball-skills of a wide receiver. As a matter of fact, over this first five weeks, Ward’s ball skills are the reason he’s tied for first in the NFL with three interceptions. He’s already becoming a guy who’ll take one side of the field and shut it down.

Grade: A

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