Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts after a Sooners touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in the third quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield is fighting the critics on whether he can be a top QB in the 2018 NFL draft. Does his scouting report back that up?

Position: QB

School: Oklahoma

Year: Senior

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 209 lbs

History:

Led his high school team to the state championship in Texas. That’s kind of a big deal. He initially enrolled at Texas Tech. However, disagreements with the coaching staff over the starting job led him to being transferred to Oklahoma in 2014. He became the starter in 2015 after winning an open competition and never relinquished the job.

STRENGTHS:

Make no mistake. Mayfield has the look of a gunslinger who is going to cut it loose down the field when he gets an opportunity. This video showcases both his good enough arm strength and underrated deep ball accuracy. He rolls out to the left, does well resetting his feet and then fires it almost 60 yards through the air and hits his receiver in stride for a touchdown. Pretty.

WEAKNESSES:

This is the Good Baker, Bad Baker situation. Mayfield is so good at keeping plays alive with his feet but he also doesn’t understand the value of living to fight on the next play. He tries squeezing the ball down the field to a receiver who is clearly well-covered and he ends up paying the price with an interception and big return.

Pro Comparison: Johnny Manziel

People forget that he was still considered a 1st round pick even with his off-the-field baggage. Nonetheless Manziel clearly was a gifted playmaker who could win throwing and running. Mayfield is built just like him from the undersized frame to the mobility to the strong arm and solid accuracy. Heck even their uniform colors are similar. The difference is Mayfield doesn’t have near the character red flags.

Projection: 3rd-4th round pick

People will see that same comparison too and likely it will hurt Mayfield’s stock. Truth is the size questions won’t help either. He’s been productive enough and has some good tape to work with. He feels like the perfect mid-round gamble who could end up becoming a starter if he finds the right system that can utilize his strengths and hide his weaknesses.