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NFL Draft 2018: Five worst picks of the first round

By Rucker Haringey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 27: Baker Mayfield /

1. Baker Mayfield — Cleveland Browns

The idea that Baker Mayfield went first overall is baffling. The former Oklahoma signal caller might not be the best quarterback in this year’s draft, much less the best prospect regardless of position.

If Cleveland were really dead set on making Mayfield their guy, they should have made an effort to trade down. It’s possible the New York Jets would have selected him with the third pick, but that’s a risk the Browns should have been willing to take.

Instead, they’re hitching their future hopes to a player with serious flaws. First off, he’s shown a real propensity to make immature decisions all throughout his football career. Optimistic Browns supporters will chalk that up to the mistakes of youth. They did the same thing for Johnny Manziel not too long ago.

Mayfield clearly lacks the size you’d like to have in a prototypical quarterback. Some scouts explain this issue away by comparing him to players like Russell Wilson and Drew Brees. The unfortunate truth is that he isn’t nearly as athletic as either of those current NFL stars.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft Grade: Baker Mayfield

Mayfield may be the rare quarterback who uses his “it” factor to overcome his physical deficiencies. Cleveland should not be making a gamble like that with the first pick in the draft. Baker Mayfield going first overall was round one’s worst selection in terms of value.