NFL rookie recap: Baker Mayfield efficient against Lions

Alec Brzezinski

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NFL rookie recap: Baker Mayfield efficient against Lions image

Plenty of rookies took the field Thursday with one last chance to impress their coaches before the regular season.

Here are some of preseason Week 4's top rookie performers:

Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns

Stat line: 9-of-16 passing for 138 yards with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions

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Mayfield easily carved up the Lions' second and third-string defense, finding open receivers while moving around nicely in the pocket. Mayfield didn't take a sack, and he led the Browns to 10 early points. Though Tyrod Taylor is likely to start the season as Cleveland's starting QB, Mayfield may see some game time sooner than later.

Kyle Lauletta, QB, Giants

Stat line: 8-of-19 passing for 118 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions

Trying to earn a backup QB role, Lauletta struggled under center in his final preseason game of the year. Though he made some nice throws and showed some zip, he also made a few poor decisions, leading to turnovers.

Mason Rudolph, QB, Steelers

Stat line: 5-of-9 passing for 102 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions

Rudolph entered the season with a chip on his shoulder after being passed over by less qualified players coming out of college. Accurate and deceptively mobile, Rudolph may make Pittsburgh look smart for investing in its future. Joshua Dobbs also performed well, so Rudolph may start the season third string, but he's a solid prospect.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens

Stat line: 9-of-15 passing for 109 yards; three carries for 25 yards and a touchdown

Learning as a passer, Jackson showed on the ground why Baltimore made him their first-round pick in this year's draft. The Ravens should be excited for the future with Jackson's ability to zip the ball into tight spaces and also scamper for big plays.

Micheal Gallup, WR, Cowboys

Stat line: four receptions for 29 yards

Still in line to start Week 1, the rookie out of Colorado State had no trouble getting open early. Though he failed to make a big play, Gallup proved he can be a valued asset on the outside or in the slot this season. With Allen Hurns and Terrance Williams providing average competition for playing time, Gallup could carve out a big role by midseason.

Boston Scott, RB, Saints

Stat line: 12 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown

Scott, trying to earn a roster spot as a gadget runner or returner, looked electric in a big win over the Rams. Scott, an even smaller version of last year's breakout star Alvin Kamara, has similar shiftiness and toughness. He could be a real asset in Sean Payton's offense.

 

Alec Brzezinski