AFC North

Is Baker Mayfield being Over Drafted? – A. Kagan

by Aaron Kagan
IG: ak42o
Tw: @SkullkingGuruFF

Currently, Baker Mayfield is getting drafted as the 5th quarterback (QB5) off the board in redraft format leagues. This is difficult for some to believe with all of the options that are available at a much lower draft slot. For instance, Mitch Trubisky is currently getting drafted a total of 48 overall player slots (13 of these being quarterbacks) below Baker Mayfield according to his ADP (Average Draft Position). This is surprising because of the fact that Mitch produced more fantasy points on a per game basis than Baker had produced last season.

It is my opinion that the value Baker Mayfield can look towards producing this season is most likely high; due to the new receiving weapons he will have available, the fact that he is going to have a complete off-season to prepare as the starter, as well as the production he had displayed last season and in college.

Looking at the team Baker has around him is a very good reason to believe he will bring more value this season than it cost to the fantasy football GM. By having newly acquired Odell Beckham Jr. to play on the opposite side of his college teammate Jarvis Landry, this combination could prove to be one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the entire league. In addition, their tight end David Njoku is one of the most prolific rising players at his position being able to both block and catch extremely well. The running game with Nick Chubb and later in the season Kareem Hunt will have great effect in softening the defenses for Baker.

Not having an off-season to build the chemistry with receivers as the starter absolutely hampered Baker’s game in the 2018 season, even though he still set NFL records. The reps with the first team offense in training camp are so crucial for the starting quarterback to begin the season with the right foundation. This was something that then Head coach Hue Jackson refused to give to Baker last off-season. Luckily for Baker, he was quick to adapt to the situation as the starter when the time came.

Various opinions exist, but the fact of the matter is Baker Mayfield is a generational player who proved his abilities by setting the all-time NFL record for touchdowns thrown (27) in his rookie season. The incredible aspect of this feat is that this was accomplished when starting partly into the season. Winning is his only thought, and this was exemplified in college by leading Oklahoma to the College Football Playoffs, as well as winning the Heisman Trophy. Now in the NFL, he has begun proving his winning aspirations for the fans of the Cleveland Browns. The fans are certainly hoping that the revolving door of players at this position can finally close for many years into the future..

Everything considered, Baker Mayfield is not being over-drafted at his current draft position. The possibilities for his production are simply not limited, but supported by these different aspects that we have discussed. While he may be expensive in draft capital terms compared to other options available, the train is leaving the station and those who get on board may be rewarded with weekly wins in their fantasy league. This is especially true for dynasty format leagues looking to build for the current season, as well as for the future.

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