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With Elway on hand, Baker Mayfield shines at Oklahoma pro day

Mayfield, widely projected as a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL draft, checked off another box in the pre-draft process.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, widely projected as a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL draft, checked off another box in the pre-draft process Wednesday by performing at his pro day in Norman, Okla.

Mayfield, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, looked smooth throughout the workout. He took the bulk of his snaps without a center but simulated the exchange and footwork necessary in his dropbacks. He flashed his ability to throw the ball on the move with rollouts and mock play-action passes.

NFL Network televised the majority of the workout and showed Mayfield making 53 throws, starting in an up-tempo period with the majority coming in the short-to-intermediate range. He gradually working his way up to longer routes, focusing on shots to the sideline. Overall, Mayfield threw seven incompletions, two of which were drops.

“I think I put myself in a good spot here to be considered the best quarterback, no matter the height question,” Mayfield, who measures a shade under 6-1, told reporters after the workout.

“People question the character, but these meetings have been great for me. I’ve put myself in a good spot. And it’s kind of interesting to think about, before the season, they had me as a third- or fourth-round grade, but now it has improved a little bit.”

The workout was held at the Sooners’ Siegfried Strength & Conditioning Center, where Mayfield wasn’t the only top-tier prospect on display. The pro day was also an opportunity for offensive tackle Orlando Brown, whom many draft analysts were initially forecasting as a potential first-round draft pick, to shed a miserable showing at the scouting combine.

Brown posted significant improvements in four major drills, going from 5.85 seconds in the 40-yard dash to 5.63; from 6-10 in the broad jump to 7-5; from 19½ inches in the vertical jump to 25½; and from 14 reps in the bench press to 18.

According to several reporters on hand, several NFL heavyweights were in attendance: Broncos general manager John Elway and head coach Vance Joseph, Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said all 32 NFL teams were represented in some form.

“You hear things, but you never know the truth,” Mayfield said of his draft stock.

“All I can do is focus on my game and focus on handling myself and putting myself in good position in those meetings to show what I’m capable of mentally, that I know the game and can pick up systems.”

Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes

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