2018 NFL Draft: Key strengths and weaknesses for Baker Mayfield
Strength: Elusive Athleticism
Baker Mayfield has 4.8 speed, but that shouldn’t at all determine your thoughts on his athletic ability. He’s one of the better athletes at his position, with the agility and game speed to elude pressure when the pocket collapses.
Although significantly smaller than said player, Mayfield has the ability to make opponents pay with his legs in a similar capacity to Alex Smith.
When Mayfield is in the pocket, he has quick feet and excellent body control. He may not be Lamar Jackson when he tucks it and runs, but he can evade a pass rush and extend plays with a combination of athleticism and football IQ.
When the time comes for Mayfield to make a decision about if he should take the sack, throw the ball away, or scramble, his decision-making ranks amongst the best in this class.
Mayfield againt pressure - he's athletic but always looking to pass rather than run. Can deliver zip on the move: pic.twitter.com/iA19Vos1Qg
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) February 8, 2018
There’s no guaranteeing that such a strength will translate to the NFL, as he could conceivably be flustered against pro-level athletes. His ability to extend plays with his legs and pick up yardage when running north, however, is a key strength.
For an undersized quarterback to thrive, they must have a big arm and NFL-caliber agility. Thankfully, Mayfield checks both boxes.