Baker Mayfield to the Jets rumors have heated up

The New York Jets had former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield in for a private workout this past week, and rumors about the signal caller have been swirling across the media.

Baker Mayfield is the most electrifying quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft by far. He’s got the confidence, the swagger, and the leadership any team would want. He’s got that fire in him that coaches and managers seek in each and every one of their players, especially for a team like the New York Jets.

The New York Mentality

Mayfield’s mentality is one not to be left alone. The perfect place to bring out that mentality? The Big Apple. Mayfield’s mentality has even earned him the nickname Broadway Baker, and this nickname may very well live up to its hype.

Mayfield would fit right in with the New York lifestyle. Bold, yet humble, and wanting to win more than anything. We’ve seen this mentality in 2017 first round pick Jamal Adams, and Jets Nation absolutely loves him. Many even refer to him as the King of New York.

During his visits, numerous reports were made about the Jets admiring not only Mayfield’s confidence but how he’s managed all the hype around him for this upcoming draft. He’s the biggest name on the block in terms of the media, and he’s handled it well near perfectly.

From Up to the Minute Live: The #Jets are hosting #OU QB Baker Mayfield and there is a lot of love in the building for him. pic.twitter.com/c5SKqISe1p

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2018

After this visit, the Twitter world went ballistic over Mayfield rumors. Professional reporters, including those who have a connection with the Jets and/or Mayfield, believe there is a solid chance he will be the selection at No. 3. I mean, why not? He fits in perfectly, not only with his media but with his style of play.

Robert has spent a lot of time with Mayfield chronicling his predraft experience. He believes Baker will wind up with Jets. So do I. https://t.co/GxhiIBLKIS

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) April 11, 2018

A Jets Fit?

This may sound bland and obvious, but there is one thing about Mayfield that makes him more appealing than anyone else in this year’s class. Accuracy. Obviously, any QB needs accuracy. However, Mayfield’s throws are more on target than anyone else’s in this class.

Mayfield’s completion percentage of 68.5 percent was the highest among the “big four” quarterbacks in this class. And for all the people talking about all the dinks and dumps he threw, here’s a stat. Mayfield threw more deep passes than any of the other quarterbacks in this draft class, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.

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As for the height concerns, there is little to worry about there. Most short quarterbacks in college feel the height effect in college. For Mayfield, this wasn’t the case. He thrived behind his offensive line, including 6 foot 8 left tackle Orlando Brown. As a matter of fact, Oklahoma’s starting offensive line last season was an average height of 6 foot 4.4 inches. The Jets projected starters in 2018 are an average height of 6 foot 4.8 inches. So it’s not like he’s going to play behind giants in the NFL.

There is more to a rookie quarterback than being accurate. But in Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan’s state, accuracy could, and should, be a top priority. We’ve already seen this front office take two flyers on the strong arms of Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, despite both having accuracy issues. Clearly, both didn’t pan out the way they had hoped, as neither of them are likely to make the 2018 roster.

Of course, nothing is confirmed until Roger Goodell takes the stage and announces the selection, but the word is spreading. The Jets brass is interested in Baker Mayfield, and so is the fan base. Broadway Baker could be a reality on April 26th.

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