The Carolina Panthers made a big trade on Wednesday after making a deal with the Cleveland Browns to acquire Baker Mayfield. It's an exciting time for the franchise, as the team is hopeful to have improved quarterback play under center. However, an old quarterback ranking emerged that might make things a little uncomfortable in Carolina.
According to Michael David Smith, current Panthers' offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo ranked the 2018 quarterback class for the NFL Draft that year. On that list, he had Baker Mayfield ranked last, right behind Josh Rosen and Mason Rudolph.
In 2018 Ben McAdoo, who was then out of coaching, gave these rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft QB class:
1. Josh Allen
2. Lamar Jackson
3. Sam Darnold
4. Josh Rosen
5. Mason Rudolph
6. Baker Mayfield
McAdoo is now the Panthers' offensive coordinator. https://t.co/YuPxXhde6S— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) July 6, 2022
Although it might make for an uncomfortable situation to start, this isn't something that should concern fans. This take was roughly four years ago and McAdoo was clearly wrong in ranking those two over Mayfield. It's probably something for the two to laugh at once he joins the Panthers facilities. Even so, here is Ben McAdoo's breakdown on Baker Mayfield after the Browns drafted him in the 2018 NFL Draft, per The New York Post.
“He's got an edge to him, I like that. He's gonna lead, they're gonna follow him. I didn't see a lot of pro-style football in his college tape. And if you're short you have to be able to make up for it some way, somehow, and personality doesn't do that. I didn't think he was a great athlete. This guy is kinda like a pocket quarterback that is short and with small hands, that's what I worry about.’”
Well, at the end of the day, it looks like Ben McAdoo should've ranked Mayfield third on his list. Regardless, the Panthers are in much better shape, as the former Browns quarterback is gifted with a fresh start. Look for things to heat up in training camp, as Carolina prepares for the upcoming NFL season. If he bounces back from a rough 2020 campaign, this franchise could be dangerous down the stretch.
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