One could easily make the argument that Baker Mayfield boosted Kyler Murray’s draft stock by having such an exciting rookie season with the Cleveland Browns last year, but Mayfield is not willing to take credit for any of the success Murray has enjoyed.
Murray played for the same head coach and in the same offense as Mayfield in college at Oklahoma, and he won the Heisman Trophy the year after Mayfield won it. When Mayfield proved to be a viable NFL starter last season, it helped prove that an undersized quarterback from Lincoln Riley’s offense is capable of playing at the next level. But in a recent appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Mayfield said he believes Murray would have been drafted first overall by the Arizona Cardinals this year even if Mayfield didn’t play at all last season.
“I see both sides. There’s also guys like Drew (Brees) and Russell (Wilson) who paved the way early on,” Mayfield said. “I think even if I didn’t play last year and injuries didn’t happen and I wasn’t thrown into it, I still think Kyler Murray would have gone No. 1. That’s just how talented he is.”
While Mayfield’s modesty is admirable, he has to know what he accomplished in Cleveland as a rookie was hugely beneficial for Murray. Had Mayfield struggled last season, the comparisons between him and Murray would have hurt Murray tremendously. Mayfield also went after at least one reporter in defending Murray, so his endorsement of his former teammate probably didn’t hurt.
Murray won the Heisman Trophy and had one of the best seasons for a college quarterback in recent memory, so no one is trying to take credit away from him. Still, I bet even he would say Mayfield helped him get to where he is.
