Baker Mayfield Draft Stock

One of the greatest draft mysteries is about one of the most successful college quarterbacks in college football history. Who will take Baker Mayfield, and at what pick will he be taken? There’s been many rumors and talk about this, so I felt it was my duty to breakdown all of these, plus give you all the teams that could look to take him.

There was a report a couple months ago where a scout said people shouldn’t be surprised if Baker went higher than most people expected, and also that people shouldn’t be surprised if Mayfield is also the first quarterback taken. I believe the first half of this statement, as many thought Baker would end up going towards the middle of the first round rather up towards the top. However, the truth is Baker Mayfield will go in the top 10 no matter the outcome, a team in need of a quarterback will move up and take him. The fact of him being the first quarterback taken, is not true right now as I may have believed this before Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen declared for the draft, but after it will take the Senior Bowl and combine to prove this true.

Many teams are in need of a quarterback. Whether it’s right away or for the future, these are the teams that may look at Baker Mayfield, and also teams where Mayfield would fit well.

• Buffalo Bills: This is my favorite landing spot for Baker as it’s a perfect fit. The offensive scheme would fit well with Mayfield’s scheme in college. Also, Tyrod Taylor hasn’t proved that he can be a reliable starter as he’s struggled to throw the ball all of his career. Tyrod Taylor signed a five year $90 million contract which will surely seen him cut as he’s only guaranteed $15.5 of it. The Bills hold two first round picks that will be in the 20’s, which can surely be traded along with other picks to move up into the draft.
• Denver Broncos: With hype surrounding Kirk Cousins possibly landing there, that means they may have to cut Aqib Talib. This possibility could result in them rather selecting a quarterback early in the draft. Rumor has it is that the Broncos like Mayfield, as one of their staff members that is running the Senior Bowl and requested for Baker to be on their team. This will help them get a better look at what he can do, and possibly see if the hype is true and help them decide whether or not to select him.
• New York Jets: Another team that could possibly make a run at Kirk Cousins. As of right now, I have them actually signing Kirk to a contract, but if not they may look to grab him with their pick as their other two young quarterbacks haven’t worked out before. I believe he’d also be a great fit here, as they have the wide receivers needed to help spread the field and make life easier for him early on. The Jets have the sixth pick in the draft, but may have to move up to secure a chance at getting him.
• New York Giants: Eli Manning is still there, and will be the starting quarterback next year, but he’s nearing the end of his career, they should look to take a quarterback early as they have the number two pick. If you give Baker the keys to the future, with players like Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram, they’d be a force to be reckoned with for a long time. For Baker to go this high up, he’ll have to impress not only on the field but in the interview with the team as well, as he’s had some off the field issues.
• Cleveland Browns: They hold both the 1st overall and 4th overall pick. Could the Browns take another position and then hold off until the 4th pick to take him? Well as of right now I see this team taking Baker Mayfield as a long shot as rumor has it that they love Josh Allen and Josh Rosen who are both quarterbacks. Once again, they will look to the Senior Bowl and combine to see if there’s anything there.
• Cincinnati Bengals: This may be a long shot, as they have Andy Dalton, but Dalton struggled this past season, and you never know what could happen. Yes, I know Dalton had only one bad season where the offensive line couldn’t protect him, but maybe it’s a time for a change. Even though there’s a small chance they draft him, Baker with the Bengals offensive weapons would be scary! This is the longest shot out of all of the teams, as there’s like a 3% chance that this will happen.
• Arizona Cardinals: This team is still searching for a head coach, so we won’t know what type of quarterback they will look for until they have have appointed a new HC. That means we won’t know the exact chance of Baker being considered for a little bit. But any coach that does get picked means they will look hard at Mayfield and decide whether or not they should trade up to get him.

Some teams are looking better than others to select Baker Mayfield! The top teams as of right now to snag him would have to be the Broncos, Jets, or Bills, as the others either have their eyes on someone else or already have a player they believe in.

Written by Domenic Buccini