Mel Kiper: To criticize Baker Mayfield, it makes no sense
Baker Mayfield has suddenly become a focal point of watercooler discussions this offseason since the Cleveland Browns went all-in to trade for Deshaun Watson.
ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper recently joined the Dan Patrick show and was asked where he had the former Oklahoma Sooners star ranked coming out of college.
“Josh Allen, one of the highest grades I ever gave a quarterback, I had him number one,,” Kiper said. “I had Sam Darnold at two and Baker Mayfield right after that. It was Josh Allen’s draft for me, I predicted the morning of the draft, I thought he would go number one. I thought the Cleveland Browns would take Josh Allen. That was one of the curve balls that it’s fun to get, Dan. I remember the morning of the draft, predicting it would be Josh Allen, but it ended up being Mayfield who I had as the third best quarterback of that class.”
While it’s clear Kiper was right about Allen, the longtime ESPN analyst made a point to defend Mayfield who has faced backlash and criticism for his play during the 2021 season.
“Baker went from a third round pick in August and I didn’t think he would go number one overall, but he did,” Kiper added. “And I’ll tell you what Dan, I think he’s getting unfair criticism. I understand the commercials, but who wouldn’t take them? If somebody comes to you and says there are some commercial opportunities, you would take them… right? But to criticize Baker Mayfield after this year, based on the pain and what he went through with that offensive line injured, running backs injured, receiver issues, Odell Beckham traded? To criticize Mayfield based on this year, when he almost had that team to the Super Bowl two years ago and played great football? I don’t understand it, I can’t rationalize it, I can’t figure it out. It makes absolutely no sense to me.”
Baker Mayfield on Browns, Deshaun Watson trade: ‘I feel disrespected’
Baker Mayfield is still a member of the Cleveland Browns, but in his mind he’s already off the roster. The former Oklahoma star and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback joined the Ya Never Know Podcast to speak about how he feels disrespected by the Browns after giving them everything, only for Cleveland to turn around and trade for Deshaun Watson.
“I really, truly, honestly have no regrets of my time in Cleveland of what I tried to give to that place,” started Mayfield, speaking about his time with the Browns. “True Clevelanders and true Browns fans know that. That’s why I can walk away from the whole situation feeling like I did it.”
While Mayfield has problems with the Browns front office, he still has love for Cleveland. Still, that love isn’t enough to overshadow the disrespect he feels.
“Yeah, the respect thing is like, it’s all going to be like a personal opinion,” responded Mayfield, when asked if he felt slighted by the Browns. “I feel disrespected. 100%. Because I was told one thing, and they completely did another. That’s what I’m in the middle of right now. You know what, okay, I got my taste of it. Because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years. A bunch of different offensive coordinators. I’ve had, we can talk about the highs — they always come back. They always come back. But like, I had great times my rookie year. I didn’t start in the beginning, I came in and got to have fun the back-half of the year. 2019 sucked. 2020 was great, made the playoffs. 2021 was miserable.
“I’m just looking for stabilization right now. I know what I need to do for me to be the best version of me, and to lead an organization. I’m in a good place right now, where I have no clue where I’m going.”
As rumors ran rampant regarding Cleveland’s interest in Watson, Baker Mayfield made the bizarre decision to release a statement to the football world. While it was thought the Browns were out of the race for the former Clemson quarterback, Cleveland acquired Watson in a shocking turn of events. Immediately, Mayfield demanded a trade from the franchise that drafted him.
While Mayfield’s inconsistent play could be the reason why Cleveland looked to upgrade at quarterback, the former Sooners star still has an unwavering confidence in his ability. It’s been reported teams like the Seattle Seahawks would have interest in the quarterback, but nothing has come to fruition since Mayfield’s trade request came to light.
The football world will keep an eye on what happens with Baker Mayfield, but one thing is for sure — the quarterback time in Cleveland is dead and buried in his mind.