NORMAN — In a preseason list counting down the top 25 college football players on NFL.com, analyst Charles Davis nicknamed Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield the “Gangster QB,” praising his charisma and playmaking ability.
One analyst hit on Mayfield's “Manziel-like magic” and another noted his gunslinging tendencies.
But as this season progressed, Mayfield seemingly shed those labels.
Of course, he's still an excellent playmaker with a rocket for an arm and an ability to scamper away from defenders, but he's matured into a smarter, more efficient quarterback.
In his preseason analysis of Mayfield, ESPN's Todd McShay critiqued Mayfield's tendency to take big hits trying to extend plays.