Well, if I didn’t already know that you didn’t follow college football at all, I certainly would now. Questioning the kid’s leadership and the ability to play in big spots under pressure kind of give that away. Not that the Manziel comparison didn’t already. The comparison is ridiculous for multiple reasons. One being that Manziel had a clear substance abuse problem starting in college while Baker does not. Another being that Manziel only threw 8 less INTs in spite of being a college starter for two full seasons less and being in a run-first offense under Sumlin. Another being that Manziel basically walked onto campus as a golden god from day one while Mayfield had to walk on and earn his playing time. Another being that Mayfield can strike at any level of the field while Manziel was limited in his throws even at the college level. But yeah, other than all that, they’re exactly alike.
Stick to analyzing draft reports for the Patriots picks after they’re drafted, Tune. No offense, but you’re out of your depth.
Kontra, Mayfield as "Manziel 2.0" was obvious hyperbole, a side-by-side comparison of their college careers is unnecessary. But I'm sure you realize that quite a few people who prognosticate football for a living also have invoked Manziel's name discussing red flags in Mayfield's behavior. It hasn't been as extreme but exists nonetheless and arguably mitigates his draft capital. I'm far from the only one leery of him on that count. You think he's the best QB in the draft which is your opinion and that's fine, but most mocks I've seen have him ranked behind the likes of Darnold, Rosen, Allen, Falk, Rudolph -- around fifth or sixth.
Mayfield's game arguably is better than some of those guys even at his alleged height disadvantage. So why have so many pundits downgraded him? It could be that "bad boy" Mayfield can't help himself regardless. I saw an interview done with him before the Senior Bowl where he denied having serious character issues and candidly stated that he saw game week as his chance to set the record straight with NFL brass. Then he proceeded to shoot himself in the foot by obstinately blowing off a pro scout he was obligated to interview with.
Again, my ONLY point about Mayfield that started all this is if the Jets are going to draft a rookie QB in the first round, I'd rather it be someone with demonstrated maturity issues that potentially can be exacerbated by high-pressure expectations in the New York environment. This concept zoomed over OTG's head, perhaps unsurprisingly. He chose to ignorantly condescend and insult over it anyway vs. simply answering the question I asked him.
Erm, he’s been a big contributor in the draft forum since he’s posted here. I’m pretty sure he’s shared his website on there as well...
NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Scroll down. He’s the second quarterback reviewed under Rudolph.
That's it? That's all? Poorly written, pseudo-analytical contrived fanspeak and bloated conjecture parading as "insight" into what makes Mayfield a strong player. "Hey! The kid has skills! He sees the field, processes quickly, makes good decisions and throws accurately!" Eureka! (The next Drew Brees? That'll be fun to watch happen.) Nothing at all about his character issues and off-field challenges. The on-field stuff is apparent and appreciable but ain't the full monty.
All this said, no one knows for sure what kind of a pro Mayfield will become. He very well might get his head straight if he wants it bad enough and receives good mentoring, in which case he could excel.