Baker comes in at number 21.
Baker Mayfield has had a super up and down career and many people have strong, varying opinions about him. He can be outspoken at times, and borderline cocky to some. Personally I don't think he's been too bad in that department, and I think he's been getting better over the years.
On the football field he's had an ok career and he's had some really good, even historical highs. He's entering his sixth season and he's already kind of seen it all.
He spent his first four seasons with the Browns. Three of those seasons the Browns finished with losing records. But in 2020, Baker had a really strong season and he accomplished things with the Browns that the Browns haven't seen in ages.
In 2020 he led the Browns to an 11-5 record and into the playoffs. Not only that, but Baker also helped lead the Browns to their first playoff win in FOREVER over an arch rival in the Steelers!
One not so good season later and the Browns made the bold move to sign Deshaun Watson, and Baker requested a trade.
2022 Baker had a rough season. He did not play utterly awful but he had to play for two teams and that can't be easy. He played on each coast with the Carolina Panthers, and then the Los Angeles Rams. In 2023, Baker is now on a one year deal with the Bucs.
Baker's playstyle is a less speedy Russel Wilson and a not-as-good Aaron Rodgers I guess you could say. He can get hot out there that's for sure. He is fine in the pocket, underrated arm strength. He can turn the ball over a lot at times, he threw 21 picks in a season once, which isn't good.
I think if a team believes in him and makes him their guy, he can accomplish a lot. Ideally with a team-friendly deal to build around him.
I think Baker on the Bucs could be very interesting. The Bucs did win a Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. They still got some dawgs on that roster. Also, I think that Baker plays well with a chip on his shoulder. AND, the NFC South is pretty sus, very winnable.
Baker and the Bucs could be a darkhorse in a weird NFC.
