Why the Jets must draft Baker Mayfield

The 2018 NFL Draft is almost here and with the No. 3 overall pick, the New York Jets will select a quarterback. Which quarterback the team will take, however, is unclear, but if Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield is available, he may be the best fit for the Jets.

The 2018 NFL Draft is jam-packed with high-level quarterbacks, four of whom could very well be selected within the top 10 and five who could be selected in the first round. Leading the pack, however, is USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Wyoming’s Josh Allen.

With the No. 3 pick, the New York Jets will likely have their choice of at least two of the four aforementioned signal callers depending on who the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants select at No. 1 and No. 2.

With that being said, there’s a chance Mayfield could be available at No. 3, although there have been rumors recently indicating that the Browns could surprise some and select him first overall as well. Regardless, that won’t be clear until draft time and if Mayfield is available when the clock strikes for the Jets, he may be the man to take.

Ever since the days of the legendary Joe Namath, the Jets have been looking for a franchise quarterback and given their place in this year’s draft, it’s likely the last chance for general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles to secure their guy. Time has run out and it’s time to put a plan in place to win moving forward.

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With Mayfield, the Jets would be bringing in not only a confident and competitive young player but a proven winner. In 2015, Mayfield led the Sooners to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the College Football semi-final, while throwing for 3,700 yards, 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In 2016, meanwhile, the 23-year-old signal caller led his team to another 11-2 season and a victory in the Sugar Bowl, while throwing for 3,695 yards, 40 touchdown, and eight interceptions. And in his senior campaign in 2017, Mayfield led Oklahoma to a 12-2 season, while throwing for 4,627 yards, 43 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also won the Heisman Trophy that year.

While some have criticized Mayfield for his lack of size and the fact that he played against what some consider to be weaker defenses, the numbers don’t lie and the stats that he put up are those of a high-level and dominant football player. It’s also important to note that he improved each year.

Other concerns regarding Mayfield have included his brash personality and some of his antics on the field. In my opinion, however, this simply stems from his competitiveness and the fire he has inside of him. He’s proven time and time again that he wants nothing more than to win and that he has the ability to ignite a locker room. It doesn’t seem as if he would succumb to the pressures of playing under the bright lights in New York and that’s exactly what the Jets need right now.

Aside from his promising stats and personality though, it’s also important to note that Mayfield would likely fit well in the Jets’ scheme. Despite his size, Mayfield has a strong arm and incredible accuracy. He’s also a tremendous playmaker, often showing the ability to make things happen on the ground with his legs and it’s expected that he’d be a nice fit for Jeremy Bates’ West Coast offense.

Must Read: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Buffalo Bills select Josh Rosen

Simply put, there’s a lot to like about Mayfield and the way he could perform for the Jets. There’s no question that he’s a talented player and has the drive and determination to consistently improve and win at the highest level. If he’s on the board at No. 3, the Jets could be looking at the guy that changes their franchise for years to come.

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