2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Cleveland Browns

2018 Stats: 3,725 passing yards, 27 TDs, 14 INTs, 63.8 completion %, 93.7 passer rating, 131 rushing yards

Can you believe it? The Cleveland Browns may actually have found themselves a quality quarterback. After years of ineptitude under center, the Browns have finally discovered a young gunslinger capable of leading them to victory on a regular basis.

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Boy, did Baker Mayfield live up to the hype in 2018. There were a lot of questions about his worthiness of the top overall pick, but most of them were answered by the middle of the season. Once Mayfield took over as the starting quarterback, there was little to complain about from there.

Yes, the Browns still turned in a losing season. As most folks can attest to, though, that was in spite of Mayfield’s magnificent play. The rookie led the offense with ease, putting his impressive leadership and poise on display on almost a weekly basis. To top it off, the numbers weren’t too bad either.

As it turns out, Mayfield ended up breaking the record for the most passing touchdowns by a rookie. Considering the record was previously co-owned by Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson, I’d say that’s quite the accomplishment. The Browns needed a franchise quarterback, and they found it in Mayfield. That’s all Cleveland could have asked for.

Grade: A+