Grading the first-round rookie QBs at the halfway point of the season

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in action during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

At the halfway point of the season, which first-round rookie QBs have performed the best in their short careers? Check out our grades for each rookie QB!

Five first-round rookie QBs were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Those five QBs were Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson. Each QB was drafted in the first-round for one reason — to be the future franchise QB for their team.

It’s because of that these first-round rookie QBs have been closely watched and examined to this point in the season. How have each of them looked so far? Below you’ll find their season stats, along with my analysis and grades for each QB.

1st Overall Pick – Baker Mayfield – Cleveland Browns

Games Started: 5

Record in Games Started: 1-4

Passing: 58.3% completions for 1,471 yards, 8 TDs, 6 INTs and a QB rating of 78.9.

Rushing: 15 attempts for 91 yards and 0 TDs.

Analysis: Baker Mayfield was the first first-round rookie QB and first overall player to be taken in the 2018 NFL Draft. Out of the five first-round rookie QBs, Mayfield has looked the best so far. Despite having the worst record as a starter, Mayfield has been the most promising.

We have to remember that Mayfield got the Browns their first win of the season. He didn’t start that game, but rather came in for the injured Tyrod Taylor and never looked back. If we count that win for Mayfield, his record improves to 2-4. Still not great, but can you blame him? After all, he is leading the team who went 0-16 last season.

Mayfield has been far from perfect this year. His completion percentage and TD to INT ratio aren’t what we were used to seeing from him in college. However, he’s shown us a lot of franchise QB potential.

I have Mayfield graded as the highest first-round rookie QB to this point in the season, and the numbers speak for themselves. Of the five first-round rookie QBs, Mayfield ranks second in QB rating, first in completion percentage, second in TD passes and second in passing yards.

Those numbers look even better when you consider Lamar Jackson has been used in a limited role and Mayfield has three less starts than Sam Darnold. Of the starting first-round rookie QBs, Mayfield’s QB rating is first. Mayfield only has 234 less yards than Darnold in three less games.

Cleveland has found their franchise QB.

Grade: B

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