Cleveland Browns draft Baker Mayfield: Instant grade and analysis

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Mayfield, including our grade.

The Cleveland Browns did not waste any time and addressed their biggest need with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. They selected 2017 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the University of Oklahoma.

Strengths

Consistently hits the top of his drop and throws with rhythm. Plays with great timing and pace. Extremely productive at Oklahoma. Tough runner who isn’t afraid to go break a tackle and make a play. Fights to make every play—he’s as competitive as you’ll find. Flashes the ability to make “wow” throws on the run.

Thrives off RPOs and play action. Keeps his eyes downfield when escaping the pocket. Got better sitting in the pocket and making reads/throws as a senior. Arm looks stronger as a senior where he made more throws outside the numbers. Put up historically efficient seasons at Oklahoma and came up big in big games in 2017-18 in particular. Teammates love him and he’s a legitimate leader.

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Weaknesses

Size will be a question. So many great built-in throws, reads and packages which creates much of his production off screens and dump offs with space. His 2016 season didn’t look like a top-tier NFL quarterback—more like a Day 3 guy. Will sail throws down the field, which could be related to his height. Runs around like a chicken with his head cut off in the pocket at times. Will fade in the pocket instead of stepping up.

Lacks the arm strength to really drive throws down the field, which hurts accuracy on deep balls. Can get sloppy in the pocket with his footwork. You don’t see him having success on re-setting in the pocket and making throws. Sloppy footwork can lead to off-target throws. Has the arrest and some questionable, immature moments. A lot of “see it, throw it.”

Grade

Mayfield may be undersized and does have some red flags off the field. However he might be the most accurate passer in this draft and could have the swagger necessary to bring the Browns out of their two-decade funk. Fan base should be excited about this one.

Grade: A-

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