Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield named PFWA Rookie of the Year

After a staggering statistical year that saw him set the rookie passing touchdown record, Baker Mayfield was a betting favorite for Rookie of the Year. The Pro Football Writers of America seemed to agree.

Although not the NFL’s “official” Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was voted the PFWA’s Rookie of the Year.

In a year that saw him throw 27 touchdowns, a new rookie record, Mayfield was recognized as the NFL’s Rookie of the Week multiple times.

Now, he’s been voted by the Pro Football Writers of America to be the NFL’s best overall rookie. In addition, both Mayfield and Browns cornerback Denzel Ward were named to the PFWA’s All-Rookie team.

As the PFWA Rookie of the Year, Mayfield will not be considered the “true” winner of the award. That honor goes to whoever wins the AP Award later. As for Mayfield’s main competition for rookie awards, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley took the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Barkley is only the third rookie ever to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards, joining the elite company joining  Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James.

Mayfield has made a serious push to be considered the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his PFWA Rookie of the Year award could help.

At least if he doesn’t win the “true” award, it could put an even bigger chip on Mayfield’s shoulder as he works to prove the world of football that he truly is the best.

Congratulations to both Saquon Barkley and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard for their Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards, and Mayfield for being the PFWA-voted Rookie of the Year.