Baker Mayfield Rumors: Panthers Not Expected to Trade for Browns QB Before NFL Draft

If Baker Mayfield lands in Carolina, it reportedly won't happen before the 2022 NFL draft.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Panthers prefer to let the first round of the draft play out before making a potential move. Carolina has the No. 6 selection and is expected to consider selecting a quarterback in that spot.

The quarterback position is arguably the most intriguing aspect of this upcoming draft. This will likely mark the first time since 2017 that a quarterback has not been taken with the top overall selection. It's even possible no quarterback is taken in the top 10 for the first time since 2013.

Malik Willis (Liberty), Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh) and Matt Corral (Ole Miss) are the three names considered most likely to be selected in the first round. While all have their positive qualities, none are considered can't-miss prospects, and each has glaring flaws. 

Willis is the most physically gifted as a passer and runner, but he put up unspectacular stats against subpar competition at Liberty and will be one of the NFL's shortest quarterbacks, measuring in at 6'0½". Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray are the only current starters who would be shorter than Willis.

Pickett has four years of starter experience playing high-level college football, but he didn't flash star talent until his senior season. The Pitt product turns 24 in June, which will create concerns about his ceiling. He also doesn't possess an elite physical trait, topping out as merely good in most categories.

Corral has a combination of high-level experience and strong physical traits, but significant concerns exist about his maturity. There are also questions about his ability to handle NFL-level scheming, given he spent most of his college career succeeding while making one-read passes.

All of which is to say the Panthers would be rolling the dice if they took one of the quarterbacks at No. 6. 

Mayfield, in this case, may be a safer alternative—especially as a depreciated asset that likely won't cost much more than a mid-round selection. Matt Rhule is coaching for his job in 2022; taking and then starting a rookie quarterback who could be a disaster is the type of risk you usually see from someone with more job security.

That said, if the Panthers get a chance to trade back a handful of slots and still land their quarterback, Mayfield's chances of landing in Carolina will dwindle.