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2018 NFL Draft: Key strengths and weaknesses for Baker Mayfield

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Strength: Making NFL Throws

One can question if Baker Mayfield can stop himself from taunting the opposition after a great play. If the question is if he can make all of the NFL throws, however, Mayfield is as proven and trustworthy as anyone in this draft class.

With tremendous accuracy on his throws and the zip behind them to avoid the outstretched arms of ball-hawking defenders, Mayfield has the tools to be a legitimate star under center.

The best way to describe Mayfield’s arm and accuracy is that he’s a versatile quarterback. He can find his running backs in the flat, work with his tight ends at 10-to-15 yards, and make throws to the sidelines that only his wide receivers can get to

The latter trait may be the most significant, as Mayfield puts the ball on the money and has the necessary velocity to avoid potential turnovers.

Most importantly: Mayfield has the elusive ability to lead his receivers to their spots. He doesn’t just wait for a play to develop and rifle in an accurate throw, but instead puts the ball where only his receiver can get it. He essentially passes them open.

Whether or not the rest of his game translates to the NFL, there’s no way around the fact that Mayfield can put the ball wherever it needs to be.

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