How do Cleveland Browns rank in 2018 QB draft class comparison after three seasons?
By Mitch Zoloty
Overall Rankings
"Lamar Jackson: 1.5 Baker Mayfield: 2.167 Josh Allen: 2.333 Sam Darnold & Mason Rudolph: 4.5 Josh Rosen: 5.833"
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Lamar Jackson is the number one quarterback in this comparison. The man has an MVP trophy, until Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen get one he’s going to likely have the career edge.
The biggest surprise to me was how Darnold and Rudolph tied within this comparison. I would much rather have Sam Darnold, as he has had a significantly worse surrounding cast. However, it is still crazy to think of how similar their play has actually been.
When it comes to the best three quarterbacks in this class, Baker has been the most consistent. He hasn’t had an MVP-like breakout season like the other two quarterbacks, but he also hasn’t had seasons that made you question if he is going to be in the league for long. Sure the 2019 campaign wasn’t great with how much he turned over the rock, but he still consistently showed flashes of being able to be a franchise guy.
I wouldn’t use this comparison to say that Baker Mayfield is a better quarterback than Josh Allen heading into the 2021 season. However, I think it really justifies that Baker was the right selection in the 2018 draft for the Cleveland Browns. He may not have had a breakout year like Lamar or Josh Allen yet, but he has been consistently good, even among all the staff turnover and drama that he has experienced.
A big part of what enabled Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson to have breakout seasons is the consistency around them. Take a look at Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen, neither have had that type of consistency and both would be labeled as busts as of now.
Next. Rodgers for Baker trade illogical for both teams. dark
Browns fans should be excited to see what this comparison looks like after this next upcoming season, now that Baker will finally experience some consistency.