New England Patriots: What Tom Brady could teach Baker Mayfield
NFL prospect Baker Mayfield believes he is the best quarterback entering the draft and says he wants to learn from the best, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Personality wise, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and NFL prospect Baker Mayfield are worlds apart. One parades as a cocky player and the other one is perceived as one.
Okay, maybe they have more in common than being amongst the best at their position on the field. Expected to go high in the 2018 NFL Draft, the product out of Oklahoma was asked in a Q&A with the New York Post which NFL quarterback he would like to learn from.
The answer is pretty obvious.
"“Tom Brady, no doubt,” Mayfield said."
Projected as a top of the draft pick, the only way Mayfield will get to pick the brain of Brady is if he actually slides to the late first or even into the second round. As we’ve seen in past drafts, it is not out of the realm of possibility that quarterback hungry teams will pass up on him due to his reputation of being cocky.
It is a reputation that Baker Mayfield feels many have misinterpreted. He believes he is the best quarterback in the draft and that declaration not be attributed to cockiness. In explaining his confidence, he once again mentioned the greatness of Tom Brady.
"“No, I’m confident, I wouldn’t say cocky,” he explained. “I don’t have it all figured out. If I was Tom Brady, then we would maybe have a different conversation, but he doesn’t have that mentality, so that’s what make him great.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
If Baker Mayfield does slide, he will have a major chip on his shoulder. He will enter the league with something to prove. In that scenario, working with and playing behind Tom Brady could be the best thing for his career.
Would Baker Mayfield be good for the New England Patriots?
As far as confidence and ability goes, Mayfield would be a good selection if he does slip in the draft. Not only would he have veteran quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer to learn from, he would have the right coaches.
With what offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the coaching staff did in developing Jimmy Garoppolo, Mayfield will be put in a position where he could succeed. With the amount of confidence he does have, the opportunity to sit back and learn for a couple years may benefit him in the long run versus starting right away for a quarterback starved team.
Could he handle the pressure of becoming the next guy in New England?
Next: New England Patriots: Tom Brady’s top 5 receivers of all time…so far
Only Baker Mayfield knows that. The experience of playing for Bill Belichick will definitely humble him. So would learning from a player who he labeled the best. The man most call the GOAT.