NFL Draft: Ranking the last 20 No. 1 overall draft picks
By Kyle Edmond
No. 10 – Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns, 2018 NFL Draft
Speaking of roller coaster careers, Baker Mayfield has had a kiddie-ride to start his career. Coming off a sophomore slump, Mayfield is entering his third season with his fourth head coach. He saw struggles last season, throwing 22 touchdowns compared to 21 interceptions, but it’s hard to overlook what he did his first season.
Playing in just 14 games, starting 13 during the 2018 season, Mayfield broke the rookie record for passing touchdowns with 27.
Mayfield has shown flashes but has yet to put together a complete season, which is to be expected of a player with just two seasons under his belt. Given his weapons, Mayfield’s window is starting to creak shut before he could be moved down this list.
A positive for Mayfield is it isn’t all his fault. During the 2019 season, he was sacked 40 times, compared to 25 during his rookie campaign, resulting in being sacked 7% of the time he was attempting a pass.
Another factor in this was who else the Browns could have taken. Few expected Lamar Jackson to do what he has, but expected or not you have to recognize that this draft has already produced a league MVP. Additionally, Saquon Barkley has lived up to all the hype as well, putting all the more pressure on Mayfield to start succeeding soon.