New York Jets: Trying to reign in the Baker Mayfield hysteria

Trying to navigate the New York Jets hysteria over Baker Mayfield.

New York Jets fans are ready to finally solve the quarterback issue. Understandably so, it is practically the only issue on the lips of the fan base. Everyone has their solution to the situation. Whether it is Kirk Cousins, Josh Rosen or someone else, everybody is debating how to fix the Jets quarterback situation. What are they going to do?

If they don’t sign a free agent or move up to a higher draft pick, there is a player that is emerging as a favorite. There has been a huge groundswell of support for Baker Mayfield from Oklahoma. Many mock drafts including that of Charley Casserly have the Jets taking Mayfield at number six. Today I wanted to take a look at this bit of Mayfield mania and see where it makes sense and where it might not make so much sense.

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There is a lot to like when talking about Mayfield. In three years with the Sooners Mayfield threw for 119 touchdowns versus only 21 interceptions. He also completed nearly 70% of his passes.

Look at it as if you have never heard of him before. These stats sound pretty ideal, huh? Well they are. So, in this scenario we take a look at a scouting report, specifically his draft profile written by Lance Zierlein. There are some concerning factors.

Here are some of his weaknesses:

"…Will see increased importance on post-snap reads. Needs to improve full-field scanning…Footwork is erratic. Creeps up in pocket towards pressure. Ball placement wanes when he tries to gun it…Needs to eliminate his back foot throws. Desire to make plays will lead to unnecessary sacks. Has to prove he can reign in and control on-field edge and cockiness."

Let’s be fair and bring things back down a little bit. Mayfield has his fair share of problems even before we look at the tape. No, the size is not one of them. Having erratic footwork is a major issue, right Christian Hackenberg?

Here is some game footage:

My favorite part of Mayfield’s game is his innate pocket presence. He doesn’t stay in the pocket longer than he must and he understands that internal clock. He knows when to go, and when he goes, he goes! He gets out fast but keeps his eyes down the field to look for a potential throw. Making plays with his feet doesn’t hurt either.

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However, there are red flags a plenty when watching the tape. His feet are all over the place. They often don’t set appropriately. He throws off of his back foot, his back foot comes through while throwing, he jumps…etc. He also gets no torque from his body on the throws. Why? Watch his feet. There is no real stride forward putting it all on his right arm.

He could injure his arm throwing in that manner. It will also give Mayfield difficulty in zipping the ball through tight windows. He could be the guy, but I don’t see it. I really don’t see a great pro here and I will go on record right now with that statement. I want to see the Jets go elsewhere.

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