New York Jets: Baker Mayfield could actually be good choice
The New York Jets may be targeting quarterback Baker Mayfield with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, and he might be the right choice.
The New York Jets are in need of a quarterback, and Baker Mayfield is on their radar. Rightfully so, because there’s a chance both Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen will be selected as the top two pick. So, the Jets must do their due diligence.
Mayfield is probably the biggest 50/50 toss-up of this draft. Sam Darnold is as much a lock as someone can be to be good. Josh Rosen is the most pro-ready, and Josh Allen is a big boom-or-bust quarterback.
It would be a mistake to take him over Rosen or Darnold, but his pro potential is much different than I originally believed. Let’s look at everything that goes into the draft stock of Mayfield.
The Negatives
The way he handled the behavior toward him by the Kansas Jayhawks at the coin toss was unacceptable, but it may have been glossed over as just a kid letting one situation get the best of him. However, he also had the arrest for disorderly conduct, attempting to flee the police and public intoxication. When you put those things together it looks like a guy who has problems making the right decision.
That said, it could just be a kid who’s immature because he’s young. Time will tell on that one.
When it comes to on the field, height is a legitimate issue. He was measured at 6-1 at the Combine. We’ve seen Drew Brees and Russell Wilson make it in the NFL, despite being short, but there’s more evidence to the contrary.
The positives
When you look at raw numbers, Mayfield looks spectacular. His career completion percentage is 68.5 percent, touchdown-interception ratio is 4.4-1, and despite not being the fastest guy, he added 21 rushing touchdowns to his 131 passing touchdowns.
Mayfield’s stats look even more impressive under the microscope of Pro Football Focus. According to their draft guide, he ranks first in passer rating in the categories of deep passing (20 or more yards in the air) and under pressure and first in adjusted completion percentage.
He also can provide good leadership in the locker room. Additionally, Mayfield has shown that he loves the game.
The Conclusion
Whether or not the Jets should draft Mayfield is up to whether you weigh the negatives more than the positives. If they believe the behavior represents who he is moving forward, he should be taken off their board. His talent on the field is no excuse for his behavior.
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However, if they believe he’s just a young kid who made a few mistakes, then the Jets should even consider him over Rosen, who has some questions about his love of the game. Mayfield is the ultimate riddle of this draft. It’s all a matter of what you believe his future could be, and that’s the toughest part.