Baker Mayfield: Who Drafted| College Career| Playoff Record

Introduction

Baker Reagan Mayfield is one of the most compelling stories in modern American football. From walk-on in college, to Heisman winner, to first overall NFL draft pick, and now a playoff-tested quarterback, his journey is marked with high peaks, controversy, and persistence. This article explores who drafted him, his college career in detail, and his playoff record, charting his rise, setbacks, and legacy.

1. Who Drafted Baker Mayfield

The Draft

• Baker Mayfield was selected first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

• Being the number one pick came with high expectations, given Mayfield’s standout college legacy and prolific senior season.

Contract & Early Expectations

• Following the draft, Mayfield signed a four-year rookie contract with the Browns, fully guaranteed. Wikipedia+1

• The Browns, having struggled for years, saw him as the transformative quarterback who could reset their fortunes. His rookie year was watched very closely by fans and analysts alike.

2. College Career

To understand why Baker Mayfield was the top pick in 2018, it’s essential to chart his college journey: his early years, transfer, awards, records, and team success.

Early Life & Starting Point

• Mayfield started his collegiate football at Texas Tech in 2013 as a walk-on. He performed well, being named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.

• However, he didn’t finish his college career there. After one season plus an injury and other factors, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma. Because of NCAA transfer rules, he sat out as required.

Oklahoma Years (2015-2017)

2015

• Mayfield’s first full season as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback was 2015. He led the Sooners to a strong season and their first College Football Playoff appearance in the CFP era.

• His statistical performance was impressive, and his leadership began to show.

2016

• In 2016, he again led Oklahoma to an excellent record (11-2) and maintained high individual production. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

2017: The Senior Season & Peak

• 2017 was Mayfield’s signature season. He posted elite numbers: over 4,600 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes, while throwing only six interceptions.

• He also led Oklahoma to a 12-2 record, securing the Big 12 title and another CFP semifinal appearance.

• Major awards in 2017 included the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, and the Manning Award. He was also a unanimous All-American.

Records & Highlights

• One streak: during his time at Oklahoma, Mayfield threw at least one touchdown pass in every game he played.

• He also had a streak of games with multiple touchdown passes, showing sustained high performance.

• Team success: overall in college, he played 48 games with a record of 39-9. That includes 11-2 seasons in 2015 and 2016 and 12-2 in 2017.

3. Playoff Record

Baker Mayfield’s transition to the NFL brought expectations and scrutiny, especially in the playoffs. His postseason stats and history reflect both high points and tough losses.

NFL Playoff Appearances & Performance

• As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, Mayfield has appeared in five career playoff games.

• In those games, he has thrown for 1,338 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. His completion rate in these playoff games is around 64.5%.

• His career playoff passer rating is particularly impressive: 105.9 (minimum expectations / number of attempts) — one of the best among active NFL quarterbacks.

Notable Playoff Moments

• First Playoff Win (2020): As quarterback for the Browns, Mayfield led Cleveland to its first playoff appearance since 2002, and its first playoff win since 1994.

• 2025 Wild Card (Buccaneers): Mayfield played for Tampa Bay in their Wild Card game and delivered a strong performance: high passer rating, good completion percentage, and poise in postseason pressure.

Strengths in the Postseason

• Efficiency: His passer rating, low interception rate, and completion percentage show that he tends to make smart decisions under playoff pressure.

• Clutch Performances: Some games (e.g., Browns vs. Steelers, 2020 Wild Card) underline his ability to lead comebacks or control the game when needed.

Challenges & Losses

• While his overall playoff stats are solid, not all outings have resulted in wins. Losses or early exits have come, due to factors like team injuries, defensive breakdowns, or simply running into superior opponents.

• As is common in playoff contexts, margin for error is small; consistency and team support become crucial. Mayfield has sometimes lacked that supporting cast or stability (coaching changes, roster turnover) which have affected results.

4. Legacy and Impact

While the title of this article is “Who Drafted | College Career | Playoff Record,” it’s worthwhile to reflect on Baker Mayfield’s broader impact:

• As a walk-on at Texas Tech, then again at Oklahoma, Mayfield’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and seizing opportunity. He is the first walk-on player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.

• He revitalized the Cleveland Browns franchise, bringing hope and competitiveness, culminating in a playoff win that broke long droughts.

• His style of play (leadership, competitiveness, willingness to take risks) has made him both celebrated and criticized; yet, over time, many of his critics have acknowledged his ability to perform in big moments.

5. Statistical Summary

Here are the key stats (college + NFL postseason) for quick reference:

Conclusion

Baker Mayfield’s story is one of high achievement and resilience. Drafted first overall in 2018 by the Cleveland Browns, he came into the NFL with a decorated college career—including a Heisman Trophy and multiple awards—and has translated much of that success to the professional level.

His playoff record is impressive: solid numbers in passer rating, completion percentage, touchdowns vs. interceptions. He has proven capable of leading in high-stakes games, though the margin for error is thin and success depends not just on his talent, but team composition, coaching, and health.

While he still has chapters to write (more playoff games, possibly a Super Bowl run), his journey from walk-on to top pick to playoff contender offers a compelling case study in football career development.