Bend it like Repka wrote:
As someone who has started following NFL again, but has no knowledge of the draft, why is this QB first pick seen as so controversial?
Over rated player?
The only thing I have noted is the inspirational pick of Shaquem Griffin
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Baker Mayfield didn't have a first round grade in the eyes of many teams, but the Browns, who are perennially the joke of the league, picked him number one overall.
Sam Darnold was the consensus best QB in the draft, when it came to ticking the boxes:
- big frame 6'3+ 220
- only 20 years old
- good arm
- great anticipatory thrower
- great pocket mobility
- won in college and turned around his program
- clutch in late game situations
- humble, hardworking and no off-field issues
Instead the chose Baker Mayfield:
- 6ft
- 23 years old
- system qb
- limited experience against anything resembling an nfl defense
- arrested for drunk and disorderly and running from the police
- numerous on-field incidents of immaturity that resulted in a suspension
- won in college but in a weak conference
- divisive Marmite personality
I think it stands out as a shocking pick because the Browns more than anyone else should know the importance of hitting on a QB pick that at least comes with a solid floor and no potential for off-field problems. Baker Mayfield bares a strong resemblance to Johnny Manziel, their most recent epic first round QB bust. Not so much in his play style as Mayfield is a better natural QB but in the overall package you get: an undersized, physically limited QB with attitude and possibly deeper off-field problems that is fighting against historical trends from the moment he enters the league.
My personal opinion is that it’s frustrating that we passed on the bigger dude with a special set of traits in Darnold who is more suited to the pro game, at least as functionally athletic, a fantastic anticipatory thrower, and a QB with a lot more experience of how to navigate muddy pockets and make bucket throws with rushers around and bearing down on him.
All that being said though, it's impossible to know how this is all going to turn out until they've both had at least a couple of years of playing time.
But you do get the sense that the Browns have Brownsed it up once again.