Ryan Clark Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: ESPN's Ryan Clark hasn't changed mind about Rams' Baker Mayfield

Former player and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark offered a "criticism sandwich" when discussing Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield on Friday. 

Clark made it known he hasn't changed his mind about Mayfield. He did somewhat praise the signal-caller's play on Thursday night but then mentioned why he still has questions about the first overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft.

"Baker Mayfield competed," Clark said after the 27-year-old guided the Rams to an incredible 17-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, as shared by Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun. "But can we see this consistently? Can we see a mature adult, not only in the locker room but on the field each and every week? Those aren't things that we've seen from Baker Mayfield over an extended period of time." 

The Rams reportedly were the only team to claim Mayfield off waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, and head coach Sean McVay then did all he could to get the quarterback ready on short notice to play against the Raiders on Thursday. Mayfield completed 22-of-35 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions against Las Vegas and, more importantly, may have provided a needed spark for his career with a remarkable 98-yard game-winning drive: 

Rams starter Matthew Stafford is likely sidelined the remainder of the season, if not longer, meaning 4-9 Los Angeles should be Mayfield's team through Week 18 as long as he remains healthy. He and the Rams travel to Lambeau Field to face the 5-8 Green Bay Packers for a "Monday Night Football" showdown on Dec. 19.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cubs designate lefty reliever for assignment
Two-time Super Bowl champ signs with AFC contender
Stars center matches Gretzky feat as Dallas pushes Avalanche to brink
Gritty young Thunder take down veteran Mavericks in Game 4
Cubs acquiring veteran reliever from Mariners
Top-five NBA Draft prospect suffers scary non-contact injury
Hurricanes stay alive with third-period outburst vs. Rangers
Jaylen Brown's big three-pointer gives Celtics 3-1 lead over Cavs
Avalanche star placed in player assistance program
Mercury announce devastating injury on eve of WNBA season
Randy Moss' son makes major football announcement
Reds place key outfielder on injured list with broken thumb
Tom Brady's broadcasting debut set for Week 1 of NFL season
Struggling Cubs reliever placed on injured list 
Report: Justin Fields had ‘toxic' relationship with ex-Bears QB
Extension makes Lions QB Jared Goff one of NFL's highest-paid players
Kentucky's Reed Sheppard displays excellent skills at NBA Draft Combine
Knicks big man undergoes another ankle surgery
Flames CEO stepping down, transitioning to advisory role
Oilers star seemingly dismisses Arturs Silovs' performance in Game 3

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.