We’re less than two months away from the 2018 NFL Draft, and based on a report by Kimberly Jones of NFL.com NFL head coaches and general managers have some extremely conflicting views about Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Jones interviewed a number of coaches and general managers and concluded that Mayfield is “the most polarizing quarterback” in the 2018 NFL Draft class. One coach told her he loves Mayfield the most on the field and the least off it, with another saying the quarterback is, “Cocky. Over-the-top cocky.”
Of course, that shouldn’t be all that surprising. Mayfield has a mountainous chip on his shoulder that stems from being rejected by Texas coming out of high school. It’s carried over into his collegiate career, where he had multiple instances where he did things that rubbed some the wrong way.
He also isn’t afraid to make some bold claims. Over the weekend he made noise with some comments about the Cleveland Browns.
But while some coaches were turned off by Mayfield’s confidence, others absolutely adore it. One coach told Jones, “I love it,” while another called Mayfield “a winner who shows toughness and natural leadership,” per Jones.
General managers were also split on how they view Mayfield.
One called him a “Good football player. I’m not concerned about him at all.”
Another made it clear Mayfield’s antics could easily wear thin, saying, “The leash will be short. He’ll have to win.”
Clearly, people who evaluate talent and coach professionals are split on how they believe Mayfield will fit into the NFL.
There is also the issue of his stature, which of course we know is below average. He’s just over 6-foot, which is not the height NFL teams typically look for in their quarterbacks. However, we know of at least one NFL team that already features a short quarterback that is itching to bring Mayfield on board and groom him for the future.
It’s going to be fascinating to see where he lands in the draft. He could go very early, or he could fall out of the first round altogether. Which is likely why he’s decided not to attend the upcoming draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.