Grading Cleveland Browns position groups before free agency and draft

Quarterbacks: B

The quarterback group is decent but not fantastic. Baker Mayfield had a terrific season as a rookie in 2018 when he set the rookie record for most passing touchdowns in a season. He had 27 touchdowns and only played 13.5 games. His 27 touchdowns to 14 interceptions was a solid start as well.

This past year was a much different story, however. With Beckham joining the offense, it was assumed Mayfield’s stats and efficiency would only grow. He ended the year with 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

He was far from good all year. He forced passes into small windows, was regularly inaccurate, and he and his receivers often had timing issues. Mayfield had a tendency to roll to his right every time he was uncomfortable in the pocket, and defenses were able to scheme for that.

Although he had such a poor year, there is reason to believe he will be better. He will be more focused this offseason and making sure he works more and talks less.

Sophomore slumps are not an uncommon thing for quarterbacks. The reason they can struggle in year two is because defenses have an entire year to watch film and break down the style of the player. When players come in as rookies, there is not much film on them for defenses to watch and prepare for.

This is also another reason why he can be great again in year three – it is his turn to make adjustments. Mayfield has now seen the challenges he faced the last season and how defenses played him. He can find ways to be better.

Mayfield is still an extremely accurate quarterback with above average arm strength. He is a tough player and a huge competitor. He brought Cleveland so much hope after the 2018 season, and that is something they had not had in quite some time.

Mayfield will be back to full strength this year after an entire offseason of gaining chemistry with his receivers and breaking down game film from the previous year. He is a good quarterback, but as of now they Browns QB room gets a solid B. There is a chance to break into the A’s this season if he has a good year.