NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 1 overall, QB Baker Mayfield 

Being the number one overall pick always comes with pressure but it’s amplified once the pick is a surprising one.

Going into the 2018 NFL Draft, Baker Mayfield had a chance to be taken number one, but the overwhelming thought process out there was that Sam Darnold would get the nod, or running back Saquon Barkley. Even Josh Allen picked up a bit of steam once draft day got closer. Still, the Cleveland Browns went with their gut and took Mayfield. It seemed like the right call as Mayfield went on to throw for 3,725 yards and a then rookie record, 27 touchdowns.

In year two, however, he fell apart. Roughly every single one of Mayfield’s statistics took a major hit. It also didn’t help that he was loaded with weapons and failed to win more than six games. Just when it seemed apropos to throw dirt on his name and call him the dreaded B-word, Mayfield turned things around in year three. His eight interceptions were a career-low and his 26 touchdown passes were one shy of his best which he posted in year one.

Mayfield’s numbers were still fairly pedestrian at 222.7 passing yards per game and a completion percentage at 62.8. They aren’t bad, but not what you would expect from a number one pick. He’s got plenty of time to turn things around, but for now, Mayfield has been solid but doesn’t look like a true franchise quarterback yet.

Grade: B-