There is a possibility that the New England Patriots might pick quarterback Baker Mayfield if he’s available at the end of the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft in April. The Patriots are expected to take a quarterback who they can develop as a backup that can eventually take over Tom Brady’s starting spot if he decides to retire. Earlier, Brady expressed interest in playing into his mid-40s, forcing the Patriots to trade Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers before the trade deadline for a 2018 second-round pick.
Baker played four years of college football, starting eight games for Texas Tech before he transferred to Oklahoma.
In his four years in college, he completed 1,026-of-1,497 passes for 14,607 yards and 131 touchdowns with 30 interceptions. In his senior year, Mayfield completed 285-of-404 passes for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns with six interceptions en route to the Heisman Trophy. He is also a dual-threat quarterback as he ran 404 times for 1,083 yards and 21 touchdowns in his college career.
Mayfield wants to learn from Brady
When asked by the New York Post, Mayfield said he wants to learn from Brady, arguably the best quarterback in the NFL today. During the interview, Mayfield said he’s the best quarterback in the 2018 Draft class that includes Lamar Jackson of Louisville, Josh Rosen of UCLA, Sam Darnold of USC, Josh Allen of Wyoming and Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State.
“I am. I believe I am,” Mayfield said. “That’s not any disrespect to the other guys. I’ve always had confidence, and I think I’m more than capable of doing everything and more.” Despite this declaration, Mayfield clarified that he’s only confident in his ability and he’s not being cocky. Mayfield is projected to go anywhere from the top of the first round to the middle of the second round.
Manziel says he’s different from Mayfield
Mayfield is often compared to former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel. However, Manziel said that aside from both being Heisman Trophy winners and both being from Texas, there are no other similarities between them. Per Ohio.com, Manziel said Mayfield has committed some mistakes on and off the field, but he has paid his dues and should not be punished and criticized for it.
In February 2017, Mayfield reached a plea deal after he was arrested for public intoxication. On the field, he was criticized for planting a Sooners flag on the field at Ohio State and making an obscene gesture towards Kansas players. Manziel had some off-the-field troubles that derailed his NFL career with the Browns. Recently, Manziel admitted that he was diagnosed as bipolar.
