Advertisement

Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley, Darius Leonard earn top rookie awards

By Alex Butler
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 25 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 25 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI | License Photo

Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, New York Giants star Saquon Barkley and Indianapolis Colts defender Darius Leonard were named the PFWA's top rookies.

The Pro Football Writers of America announced the trio's awards on Tuesday.

Advertisement

Mayfield was named the Rookie of the Year. Barkley received Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Leonard was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

The 2018 PFWA All-Rookie Team also included wide receivers Calvin Ridley and D.J. Moore, tight end Chris Herndon, center Billy Price, guards Will Hernandez and Quenton Nelson and tackles Mick McGlinchey and Braden Smith.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throws against the Carolina Panthers in the second half on December 9 at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI

The PFWA's top rookie defenders also included: defensive linemen Bradley Chubb, Marcus Davenport, Da'Shawn Hand and Daron Payne; linebackers Roquan Smith and Leighton Vander Esch; cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Denzel Ward; and safeties Jessie Bates and Derwin James.

Advertisement

Kicker Jason Sanders, punter Michael Dickson, kick return Tremon Smith, punt returner Christian Kirk and special teamer Zeke Turner also made the All-Rookie squad.

Mayfield, 23, completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 14 games this season for the Browns. He posted a 6-7 record as a starter.

Barkley, 21, ran for 1,307 yards and 11 scores on 261 carries in 16 games this season. He also led the league with 2,028 yards from scrimmage, including his 721 receiving yards on 91 receptions.

Leonard, 23, led the league with 163 tackles and 111 solo takedowns. He also had eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 15 starts.

While Mayfield and Barkley went No. 1 and No. 2 overall, respectively, in the 2018 NFL Draft, Leonard was drafted in the second round as the No. 36 overall pick.

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt won the PFWA Rookie of the Year award last season.

Latest Headlines