Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey put together quite the rookie class. Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward and Nick Chubb have won Rookie of the Week seven times this season. Ward has won twice, Chubb twice and Mayfield three times.
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield has completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 1,984 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Mayfield has also utilized his ability to make plays with his feet adding 111 yards on the ground. Pro Football Focus ranks Mayfield 16th overall among quarterbacks with a grade of above average. Mayfield also ranks and grades out as the best rookie quarterback this season.
Denzel Ward has been able to limit damage from opposing receivers this season. Additionally Ward has been able to defend passes and force turnovers. Ward has defended 10 passes this season, intercepted three passes, forced one fumble and recovered two fumbles. Pro Football Focus ranks the Browns rookie corner 13th overall and grades out as above average.
Nick Chubb has come on strong after not seeing much action to start the year. After the Browns sent Carlos Hyde to Jacksonville, Chubb has put on quite the display. Rushing for 579 yards and five touchdowns at a ridiculous 6.2 yards per attempt. Chubb has also contributed a bit in the passing game with six receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. Chubb’s Week 10 performance was the highlight of his young career. Rushing for 176 yards and one touchdown, including a new Browns record 92-yard touchdown run. Pro Football Focus ranks Chubb as the number one overall running back with an elite grade. This is extremely impressive considering how little Chubb played at the beginning of the season.
The Cleveland Browns 2018 rookie class appears to be the strong foundation the franchise has been seeking for a long, long time. With a franchise quarterback, running back and cornerback the Browns are finally heading in the right direction.
