The NFL Draft is coming up fast, and that means it’s time for Brandon Beane to start spending more than 15 minutes with the incoming rookie class. The team has begun privately meeting with players to learn more, and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that the Bills had worked out Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield Monday. The workout was part of a busy week for Mayfield that also included due diligence from Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, the Cleveland Browns, and the New York Jets.
Mayfield is one of two Heisman-winning quarterbacks in this year’s draft, and the senior is coming off a blistering season that saw him lead his team to the cusp of a National Championship berth. We’ll break down Mayfield’s prospect profile in-depth in the coming weeks, but here’s the immediate information you need to know:
- Mayfield is the first walk-on to ever start a season opener as a freshman quarterback, playing at Texas Tech.
- After disagreements with the coaching staff, Mayfield transferred to Oklahoma. Though he fought the NCAA over eligibility rules because he was a former walk-on, he was still forced to sit out a season before he could play again.
- Mayfield started the 2015, 2016, and 2017 seasons for Oklahoma, leading the Sooners to a 34-6 record and finishing in the top four of Heisman voting each season.
- An intense competitor, Mayfield earned notoriety for planting Oklahoma’s flag at midfield following a win over Ohio State, and he temporarily lost his captain designation after grabbing his crotch and cursing at Kansas players and fans.
- Mayfield was arrested in early 2017 for public intoxication and fleeing arrest.
Mayfield and UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen are two quarterbacks that we know have worked out for the Bills. Other names to be connected to the team include Wyoming’s Josh Allen and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson. You can rest assured that we’ll be hearing more about them in the coming weeks as the Bills set up their smokescreen ahead of the draft.