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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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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs with the ball while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs with the ball while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Strength: Poise Under Pressure

You may not like the way Baker Mayfield handles himself in the heat of the moment, but his teammates rallied around him in college. He has a powerful presence on the field and a respected voice in the locker room.

One of the primary reasons that Mayfield has built such profound confidence is his vast experience in big games and his underrated poise under pressure.

Per Pro Football Focus, Mayfield had led the NCAA in passer rating under pressure in 2015, 2016, and 2017. That number was produced in hefty sample sizes of 164 dropbacks under pressure in 2015, 113 in 2016, and 129 in 2017—evidence enough that he can handle a pass rush.

Not only is Mayfield capable of extending plays with his legs, but he takes care of the ball and makes accurate throws when the pocket is collapsing.

Furthermore, Mayfield was 39-9 during his 48 collegiate starts, including a record of 34-6 at Oklahoma. He led the Sooners to victory in each of the past two Red River Shootouts, won the 2016 Sugar Bowl, and led Oklahoma to multiple College Football Playoff appearances.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Mayfield will be a big-game player in the NFL, but the fact the he enters his professional career with said experience should ease his mental transition.

Must Read: Cleveland Browns: Mock Draft after the Jarvis Landry, Tyrod Taylor trades

The question is: Which team will ultimately decide that Baker Mayfield is worth the risk in the 2018 NFL Draft?

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