5 NFL players that are Offensive Rookie of the Year favorites in 2018
3. Baker Mayfield, QB, Cleveland Browns
According to Alonzo Highsmith, one of the top men behind general manager John Dorsey, said that Sam Darnold was No. 1 on their board for most of the pre-draft process. Then, something changed. Mayfield blew them away during individual workouts. Here’s what Highsmith told Steve Doerchuk of CantonRep.
"“Then comes the part where you meet them off the field. You watch their workouts. You watch everything. And Baker blew me away. Highly, highly intelligent. Highly competitive.”"
Head coach Hue Jackson has already said that Tyrod Taylor is the starting quarterback. That said, if he’s as competitive as they thought, he may pull a Russell Wilson and win the job in camp. If he does, he has a strong chance to be Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He has a two talented wide receivers who are both capable of 1,000-yard seasons and a talented and emerging tight end in David Njoku. The only major issue is left tackle, but if Austin Corbett can successfully replace Joe Thomas, the accuracy of Mayfield combined with the talent at receiver will do wonders.
As the No. 1 overall pick, there’s no way he can hide from the spotlight. So, if he does well, and so do the Browns, there’s no way to keep votes away from Mayfield.