Article from Yahoo Sports on Mayfield

[NewEraBills]

2 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

Mayfield is not 6’2. He is barely 6’0. Saw him in person. 

 

I don't want to discriminate because of players like Brees and Flutie in the past and Wilson, but man, it's difficult for me to see us taking someone shorter than TT.  He's probably my height then.  I'm right there between 5'11 and 6'0.  

Edited January 12, 2018 by NewEraBills

[YoloinOhio]

Just now, NewEraBills said:

 

I don't want to discriminate because of players like Brees and Flutie in the past and Wilson, but man, it's difficult for me to see us taking someone shorter than TT.

He’s Russell Wilson size but softer body. Needs to get cranking on the conditioning.

[Mat68]

12 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

He’s Russell Wilson size but softer body. Needs to get cranking on the conditioning.

As much as Mayfield supporters dont want the Manziel comparison I dont think the Russel Wilson comparison is close to accurate either.  Wilson was a high draft pick in Baseball.  He is an incredible athlete and his A level athletism is what allows him to evade the NFL rush and make plays with his legs.  Mayfield is an average athlete at best and is not the dynamic runner like Wilson.  The closet endoresment would be Brees but I will argue Brees is more athletic and the hardest thing to quantify is the work ethic.  Brees is at the Brady level.  Brees took 3 years before he looked like he could be a starter and 4 before he looked like a franchise Qb.  The benefit of going second rd Brees was able to develop.  If Mayfield goes early he will not be given the time to develop and I think the sooner he plays the worst he will be.  He doesnt have an elite arm or athletism to fall back on and use to help him while he learns the NFL game.

[hemma]

Personally, I'm not worried about this 'character' stuff, but there is no doubt he is a trash talker & instigator.

Then again, so was Reggie Miller and so is Philip Rivers.  If it gets our team fired up and lifts the intensity without causing a spate of penalties, well good.

One way or the other, I'm sure he'll get interviewed so McD and Beane can make a judgement.

 

As for height, I think his OL was 6' 8", 6' 4" (3 guys) and the center was 6' 1".  It might be a problem, but I'm sure he'll get a lot of workouts where our Coaches can see what they see.  If they don't like it, he'll drop on our board.  Small hands might be a concern too, but we'll see.

 

Knowing what we know, I don't think I'd trade up for him, but at this moment, I hope we don't let him pass.

[YoloinOhio]

12 minutes ago, Mat68 said:

As much as Mayfield supporters dont want the Manziel comparison I dont think the Russel Wilson comparison is close to accurate either.  Wilson was a high draft pick in Baseball.  He is an incredible athlete and his A level athletism is what allows him to evade the NFL rush and make plays with his legs.  Mayfield is an average athlete at best and is not the dynamic runner like Wilson.  The closet endoresment would be Brees but I will argue Brees is more athletic and the hardest thing to quantify is the work ethic.  Brees is at the Brady level.  Brees took 3 years before he looked like he could be a starter and 4 before he looked like a franchise Qb.  The benefit of going second rd Brees was able to develop.  If Mayfield goes early he will not be given the time to develop and I think the sooner he plays the worst he will be.  He doesnt have an elite arm or athletism to fall back on and use to help him while he learns the NFL game.

I don’t see character issues as much as I see maturity issues. That’s one difference between him and some other QBs who have stepped as rookies and led a team of veterans. Right now, his own team loves him but I know some players on other teams think he’s a punk. He can try to change that perception in the pre-draft process and in OTAs with whatever team drafts him. 

 

Searching his mentions on twitter daily and snarkily responding to the least bit of not-glowing evaluation from draft twitter isn’t the way to do that. He’s showing rabbit ears. 

Edited January 12, 2018 by YoloinOhio

[ndirish1978]

6 hours ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

 

What if he is better than Brees ??

 

You should watch him first before dismissing him out of hand.

 

 

 

Is he as good as Skelton? That's the real question.

[simool]

2 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I don’t see character issues as much as I see maturity issues. That’s one difference between him and some other QBs who have stepped as rookies and led a team of veterans. 

 

Having a Youtube video out there of you verbally abusing cops and trying to bolt on them are definitely indicators of a lack of maturity, but that whole event and the charges that came from it point to some obvious character problems.

[YoloinOhio]

Just now, simool said:

 

Having a Youtube video out there of you verbally abusing cops and trying to bolt on them are definitely indicators of a lack of maturity, but that whole event and the charges that came from it point to some obvious character problems.

I didn’t see the video but am aware of the incident. Agree that it’s bad. I think it points to lack of self control/awareness that has been demonstrated in other things he has done. He needs to polish his act but, as far as ability on the field, that is separate. But still very important. 

[starrymessenger]

Don't know about Walter Football. From what I've seen, read and heard (scout podcasts) Mayfield has a lively arm, plenty enuf to play at the next level. Not elite to be sure but plenty good enuf to make the throws, sort of like Russell actually. Also the comment about not having good mechanics is not what I see, read and have heard. Apparently he doesn't get credit for it but probably he should.

Its unusual for smaller guys to make it, they are rare, but he looks to me to have a decent chance. 

All of the projected possible first round QBs have flaws. They all pretty much also have something (albeit different things) to offer.

I really wish I knew what the braintrust at OBD is thinking. 

[YoloinOhio]

2 minutes ago, starrymessenger said:

Don't know about Walter Football. From what I've seen, read and heard (scout podcasts) Mayfield has a lively arm, plenty enuf to play at the next level. Not elite to be sure but plenty good enuf to make the throws, sort of like Russell actually. Also the comment about not having good mechanics is not what I see, read and have heard. Apparently he doesn't get credit for it but probably he should.

Its unusual for smaller guys to make it, they are rare, but he looks to me to have a decent chance. 

All of the projected possible first round QBs have flaws. They all pretty much also have something (albeit different things) to offer.

I really wish I knew what the braintrust at OBD is thinking. 

Regardless of what he’s lacking per the scouting reports, in height, arm strength, etc, he’s very accurate. This is the most important thing, to me, when it comes to evaluating a QB. It’s not everything but it’s the heaviest weighted in my book. 

[starrymessenger]

20 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

Regardless of what he’s lacking per the scouting reports, in height, arm strength, etc, he’s very accurate. This is the most important thing, to me, when it comes to evaluating a QB. It’s not everything but it’s the heaviest weighted in my book. 

 

Agree about accuracy, but that also sort of makes my point about fundamentals. You cannot consistently be very accurate without good mechanics. 

Edited January 12, 2018 by starrymessenger

[aristocrat]

If rosen and sam are gone 1 and 2 we need to get to the browns to get him. probably both 1's and a 2. Now this is a lot to give up but it turns into a normal draft for us. we go back to have a 1, 2, and 3.  We need to fill in those holes through free agency. 

[simool]

5 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

If rosen and sam are gone 1 and 2 we need to get to the browns to get him. probably both 1's and a 2. Now this is a lot to give up but it turns into a normal draft for us. we go back to have a 1, 2, and 3.  We need to fill in those holes through free agency. 

 

That is not going to happen unless you want bottom of the barrel free agents.  This teams fate was sealed when we jettisoned all of those big contracts.  I think rightly so too.  We will be built through the draft and a sprinkling of free agents.  At least until we get the dead money under control.

[YoloinOhio]

11 minutes ago, simool said:

 

That is not going to happen unless you want bottom of the barrel free agents.  This teams fate was sealed when we jettisoned all of those big contracts.  I think rightly so too.  We will be built through the draft and a sprinkling of free agents.  At least until we get the dead money under control.

I’m not sure about that. I think they will be more than willing to pay for FAs that fit what they need and want. The players they moved on from, and are expected to move on from, with big contracts is about more than just the money. It was and is about scheme fit, team fit, availability, culture fit.

[Nihilarian]

The very last thing this team needs is to give up some of those first three rounds picks for a "maybe" guy as this team still has many holes to fill on the roster.  Unless this GM is 100% certain that his choice will be the next Jim Kelly for franchise QB...

 

I can't help but keep thinking of Johnny Manziel who is also 6'0'' and graded as an early first-round pick and Blake Bortles who went #3 overall. 

 

 

[simool]

8 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I’m not sure about that. I think they will be more than willing to pay for FAs that fit what they need and want. The players they moved on from, and are expected to move on from, with big contracts is about more than just the money. It was and is about scheme fit, team fit, availability, culture fit.

 

You are absolutely right about why they jettisoned them, but what he seemed to imply is that we can lose half our picks and fill the gap with free agents.  That cant happen becuase we have enough dead money for two or three teams.  They will absolutely get free agents they like but like I said, it is going to be a sprinkling of them.

[aristocrat]

36 minutes ago, simool said:

 

That is not going to happen unless you want bottom of the barrel free agents.  This teams fate was sealed when we jettisoned all of those big contracts.  I think rightly so too.  We will be built through the draft and a sprinkling of free agents.  At least until we get the dead money under control.

 

we have 50 mil in space without tyrod. look at what we did with hyde and poyer. we need 2 d tackles. 1 lb. and a guard

18 minutes ago, simool said:

 

You are absolutely right about why they jettisoned them, but what he seemed to imply is that we can lose half our picks and fill the gap with free agents.  That cant happen becuase we have enough dead money for two or three teams.  They will absolutely get free agents they like but like I said, it is going to be a sprinkling of them.

 

we had less cap space last year i believe.  they just need effective free agents. a vet d tackle like dontari poe or star latoulei for 10 mil or under. another tackle under 5 mil. a guard under 10 mil.  then a  few couple mil guys. 

[simool]

21 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

we need 2 d tackles. 1 lb. and a guard

What?  Are we watching the same team? You also need to consider the free agents we have.  Not a small list: https://overthecap.com/free-agency/buffalo-bills/

 

Then factor in age.

 

We need a hell of a lot more than 2 d tackles 1 lb and a guard FFS

[Mr. WEO]

15 hours ago, simool said:

Too bad he does not possess Wilson's character and attitude.  Likely the deal breaker for him landing in Buffalo.

 

What was the deal breaker for Wilson?

[MJS]

I like that his turnovers are low, his completion percentage is high, and his yards per attempt are good.

 

I am always wary of college QB's who have high turnovers. If you can't keep control of the ball in college, how can you in the NFL?

[simool]

1 minute ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

What was the deal breaker for Wilson?

 

You are preaching to the choir.  I live in Madison, saw him play several times.  I was screaming at the TV for us to draft him.

[Mat68]

2 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

I don’t see character issues as much as I see maturity issues. That’s one difference between him and some other QBs who have stepped as rookies and led a team of veterans. Right now, his own team loves him but I know some players on other teams think he’s a punk. He can try to change that perception in the pre-draft process and in OTAs with whatever team drafts him. 

 

Searching his mentions on twitter daily and snarkily responding to the least bit of not-glowing evaluation from draft twitter isn’t the way to do that. He’s showing rabbit ears. 

I dont have any problem with maturity of leadership from him.  At the pro level leadership is aliitle over rated in my eyes.  Can you make the throws on time or by time to hit your guys on big plays.  Thats really it.  Early on and going forward i think those are going to be big issues for Mayfield.  Tight coverage, small window throws are going to difficault for him.  The ability he shown to extend plays at oklahoma was from a pretty clean pocket.  i dont see him being able to extend a play at the NFL level.  

[buffalobloodfloridahome]

Mayfield is another short roll out of the pocket type passer. His ceiling is Drew Brees his floor is Jimmy Clausen.

[Mat68]

28 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

What was the deal breaker for Wilson?

Height.  and thats it.  Crazy to believe that he was considered too small.  For Mayfield its more than just height for me.  Can he make throws into tight coverage.  Can he make throws in small windows.  A bigger question for is is will be be able to buy time and make plays after the play breaks down.  Wilson played and performed fantastically in a pro style offense at Wisconsin.  They are not a Qb freindly team in terms of concepts and play design.  Wilson's efficiency running that offense is nothing Wisconsin had seen before or after him.  To me the hardest thing to gauge with Mayfield is will he be able to work inside the pocket and inside the confines of an NFL offense.  I have serious doubts he can or if he does it will take time.  As much time it took Brees.  Every Qb has questions but while they are learning on the job who have the easiest routes for success.  Arm talent or Athleticism or both allows for more growing pains because while they are learning they are going to do things from sheer talent alone.

[Mr. WEO]

30 minutes ago, Mat68 said:

Height.  and thats it.  Crazy to believe that he was considered too small.  For Mayfield its more than just height for me.  Can he make throws into tight coverage.  Can he make throws in small windows.  A bigger question for is is will be be able to buy time and make plays after the play breaks down.  Wilson played and performed fantastically in a pro style offense at Wisconsin.  They are not a Qb freindly team in terms of concepts and play design.  Wilson's efficiency running that offense is nothing Wisconsin had seen before or after him.  To me the hardest thing to gauge with Mayfield is will he be able to work inside the pocket and inside the confines of an NFL offense.  I have serious doubts he can or if he does it will take time.  As much time it took Brees.  Every Qb has questions but while they are learning on the job who have the easiest routes for success.  Arm talent or Athleticism or both allows for more growing pains because while they are learning they are going to do things from sheer talent alone.

 

Height yes.  Nothing to do with character.

 

Wilson doesn't operate much in the pocket (rarely has one).

 

Mayfield sure looks like he can buy time when the play breaks down.

 

 

[D521646]

Well, I see no reason if he's there to use a first round pick on him.  He's got all the heart you want in a QB, he won't check down when they 7 for a 1st down, and seems like he's tough as nails!

 

Tim-

[unclepete]

17 hours ago, K-GunJimKelly12 said:

That Goff/Elway comparison is ridiculous.  They played in complete different eras and it is well known that offensive numbers blew up over the last 15 years.

I agree. I hate when people compare this era to prior eras. Hell, look at Brady’s number prior to 06. The rules have changed the numbers 

[YoloinOhio]

 

10 minutes ago, D521646 said:

Well, I see no reason if he's there to use a first round pick on him.  He's got all the heart you want in a QB, he won't check down when they 7 for a 1st down, and seems like he's tough as nails!

 

Tim-

I’ve said all along that I think Mayfield checks a lot of mcbeane boxes. Maturity issues may be a question they dig into. But he has the Football character they desire. That’s the type of “character” they are looking for. Imo. 

Edited January 12, 2018 by YoloinOhio

[D521646]

3 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

I’ve said all along that I think Mayfield checks a lot of mcbeane boxes. Maturity issues may be a question they dig into. But he has the Football character they desire. That’s the type of “character” they are looking for. Imo. 

 

 

I agree, I think he checks a lot of boxes if not all of them, and, when the smoke clears he might just go a lot higher than we can afford.  He reminds me of Doug Flutie, Drew Brees with a stronger arm.  It will be interesting to see how his game translates to the NFL, no way to really gauge that at this point.  That's what the pro scouts are for, although, not sure what they see that others do not?  What I see is situational awareness, grit, heart, accuracy, strength, and tenacity.  What else would you want?

 

We have to get this right with the 21st/22nd pick, if he's there, I say it's a no brainer!

 

Tim-

[Putin]

17 hours ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

I don’t want another short QB. Unless somehow it’s Drew Brees, I want a normal height QB. I’m tired of having to only check a few of the boxes. I want an all around good player at the position for a change. It’s been damn near 30 years here...Let’s make a move at some point.

EJ was a tall QB 

[YoloinOhio]

5 minutes ago, D521646 said:

 

 

I agree, I think he checks a lot of boxes if not all of them, and, when the smoke clears he might just go a lot higher than we can afford.  He reminds me of Doug Flutie, Drew Brees with a stronger arm.  It will be interesting to see how his game translates to the NFL, no way to really gauge that at this point.  That's what the pro scouts are for, although, not sure what they see that others do not?  What I see is situational awareness, grit, heart, accuracy, strength, and tenacity.  What else would you want?

 

We have to get this right with the 21st/22nd pick, if he's there, I say it's a no brainer!

 

Tim-

I believe they are willing to move up for the QB they want. I think they will package picks and players as needed. Different circumstances with competing teams wanting to trade up could impact this but I saw in two different places that 21 and 22 on the draft value chart can get you up to 7. 

[D521646]

1 minute ago, YoloinOhio said:

I believe they are willing to move up for the QB they want. I think they will package picks and players as needed. Different circumstances with competing teams wanting to trade up could impact this but I saw in two different places that 21 and 22 on the draft value chart can get you up to 7. 

 

 

Aarrgghh, I would hate that.  I'd understand it, but I'm greedy as well.  I guess it all depends on how the chips fall, how the lying season goes, where's the hype, where isn't it.  All these things play into your draft strategy, but using only a single 1st round pick on a QB and the other to trade back or BPA is my ideal situation.  If the Tebow comparisions drops Mayfields draft stock, I'm all for it, and I hope that our GM doesn't fall for it.  Tebow could only dream of having the arm that Mayfield has.

 

 

Tim-

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

51 minutes ago, Putin said:

EJ was a tall QB 

But he was a terrible passer and was clueless about reading defenses. He had some of the worst footwork I have ever seen in the NFL. He couldnt throw the same pass twice. I want a guy without limitation.

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Mat68]

2 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Height yes.  Nothing to do with character.

 

Wilson doesn't operate much in the pocket (rarely has one).

 

Mayfield sure looks like he can buy time when the play breaks down.

 

 

Yes in the Big12 Baker made plays all over the field.  Not being an above average athlete I dont see him having that kind of success outside the pcoket vs NFL defense.  He is not going to run away from too many defenders if any in the NFL.

[Richard Noggin]

19 hours ago, JPP said:

i dunno know but anyone comparing him to tebow as mentioned in the article willl make me think twice.....tebow was beyond god awful....havent followed college ball but can this guy really be the surprise in the draft?  

It's a bad comparison. Just watch the two of them throw a football. Comparison over.

[aristocrat]

5 hours ago, simool said:

What?  Are we watching the same team? You also need to consider the free agents we have.  Not a small list: https://overthecap.com/free-agency/buffalo-bills/

 

Then factor in age.

 

We need a hell of a lot more than 2 d tackles 1 lb and a guard FFS

 

we have 42 guys under contract cutting tyrod and ducasse. using free agency we get 2 nice d tackles and a lb. now do we sign brown and gaines?  then fill out the roster with the draft. 

[Mr. WEO]

3 hours ago, Mat68 said:

Yes in the Big12 Baker made plays all over the field.  Not being an above average athlete I dont see him having that kind of success outside the pcoket vs NFL defense.  He is not going to run away from too many defenders if any in the NFL.

 

Well....every college QB is only seen with his conference performance.

 

They said the same thing about Mariota.  Same thing about Deshawn Watson.  Went was knocked for little experience and the fact that he faced not even FBS level defenses.  They said Wilson was too short to see over his line!---yet he regularly and form the start totally clowns "NFL defenses".

[Batman1876]

12 hours ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

Cam Newton also has half a foot and 25+ lbs on Mayfield, and is still a more explosive athlete.

I was simply commenting on character. And yes Newton is more of an athlete but Mayfield has demonstrated far more accuracy and pocket presence. 

13 hours ago, simool said:

 

Alot of wanna be football executives on this board would also say that when Sammy Watkins went to the press with his minimum targets request he was being more competitive.  BS.  I think it will be a cold day in hell before you see McDermott and Beane draft a blowhard like Mayfield.  Regardless of perceived talent. With a caveat... If he drops to the second or third round then I could see them playing the risk reward game.

 

 

No Marty Hurney selected a guy like this before. McDermott had been with the Panthers for a couple of months at that point and as a newly hired DC likely had ZERO input into it.   Beane was director of football operations at the time.  Your take is very presumptious.

 

Both did get to witness Cam opening his big mouth on several occasions and choke on the hard one in the Super Bowl.

If Carolina offered to trade Cam to the Bills would the team say no because he does not fit the character they want for the team, obviously not. It’s his swagger that carried the team to the Super Bowl and he has not divided the locker room or embarrassed the franchise. 

[simool]

16 minutes ago, Batman1876 said:

I was simply commenting on character. And yes Newton is more of an athlete but Mayfield has demonstrated far more accuracy and pocket presence. 

If Carolina offered to trade Cam to the Bills would the team say no because he does not fit the character they want for the team, obviously not. It’s his swagger that carried the team to the Super Bowl and he has not divided the locker room or embarrassed the franchise. 

 

I would say his handling of the female pool reporter this season would be classified as embarrassing the franchise.