Baker Mayfield No. 57
June 21st, 2025
Locked and loaded.
If this veteran of the NFL keyboard wars believes it, perhaps others should hop on board.
Joe has long maintained that Lavonte David is the most underrated player in the league. The guy is one of the greatest defensive players of his era yet can’t buy his way to the Pro Bowl.
Well, one of David’s teammates doesn’t seem to have a problem getting to the Pro Bowl, yet prickly Pete Prisco of CBS seems to think Mayfield is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league.
This week, Prisco released his Top-100 Players list. It is a summer tradition for Prisco, who is no stranger to One Buc Palace — and good of Prisco, a national guy who is based in South Florida, to periodically trek up I-75 to One Buc Palace.
That’s good ol’ fashioned gumshoe journalism.
Anyway, Prisco has Mayfield listed at No. 57.
Mayfield had his best season in 2024 with 41 touchdown passes and 4,500 yards. He might be the most underrated quarterback in the league after the slow start to his career. (Last season: NR)
Joe mentions from time to time that there is a lot of pressure on the Pride of Lizard Lick, new Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. The Bucs are handing Grizzard, with zero experience as a playcaller, a loaded deck.
Can Grizzard cobble together some full houses?
Mayfield with the Bucs has had back-to-back career years. A third might be asking too much. But can Grizzard get the most out of Mayfield like Liam Coen did?
Big question for this season.
June 21st, 2025 at 12:30 am
Should be an exciting year, Haasan Reddick looked happy in all his pics during minicamp as well. Defense seems boosted and motivated, offense ready to roll. Hoping we can keep the ground game rolling again this year.
June 21st, 2025 at 4:40 am
Should be higher Pete. Not sure of the way folks “rank players” but Baker die a monster job of getting wins for us the last two years.
Go Bucs!
June 21st, 2025 at 6:31 am
Baker ranks #1 on feeding his offensive line.
Don’t underestimate that stat.
June 21st, 2025 at 6:38 am
‘Joe has long maintained that Lavonte David is the most underrated player in the league. The guy is one of the greatest defensive players of his era yet can’t buy his way to the Pro Bowl.’
You’re soooo right Joe that Lavonte is ‘underrated’. Not only can’t he make the Pro-Bowl, but Prickly Pete didn’t even see fit to include him in his Top-100. He did have four Bucanneers though: Wirfs (#20), Mayfield (#57), Evans (#82) and Winfield (#89).
Strange that Prisco saw fit to include Antoine in his Top-100 since he played in only 9 games last season (and really didn’t perform all THAT well in those IMO), yet LVD was overlooked (even though he had a very nice year & was the glue that held our defense together).
June 21st, 2025 at 7:35 am
Bucs superbowl window might be open for awhile, but it’s closing for David. I’d like to see him have a great year, and get his second ring, now! A seasom like that for David whether he comes back in 26, or not, should cement a HOF career. With the players we added on defense, and getting Dennis back, David doesn’t have to do it all himself. David isn’t being over looked anymore, there will be plenty of eyes on him, and the Bucs this season. The main street media has noticed. Love to see David end his career on top.
June 21st, 2025 at 7:43 am
There will be growing pains and poor choices from Griz’s offense in the early part of the season but I have zero doubt the Bucs will have a breakout season unless key players on the offense are hurt like the defensive players in 2024.
Go Bucs
June 21st, 2025 at 8:32 am
These rankings are useless, subjective at best and highly opinionated and he’s getting paid for his opinion. The best QB last year? Hurts cause he won the Super Bowl, that simple and he was solid all year. Is Baker a better QB? Maybe all around yes. If one looks at a players body of work then how can Evans be any less than the #1 or 2 receiver in the league? Wirfs best LT. Barton will soon take over Creed Humphry for best center. Look at the rankings and who would YOU take as your starting QB, WR, etc?
June 21st, 2025 at 8:40 am
He iz only underrated because of the smear campaign by Andrew Berry, Dipodesto, and the Haslam s to justify their insane trade for D Watson who is the real bust. Baker,was never a bust or close to being one. He was too much of a tough guy and tried to play thru an injury. I think he learned from that and will just get the surgery right away next time. Meanwhile the Browns have five Quarterbacks with nobody in charge.
June 21st, 2025 at 8:42 am
All Griz has to do is do what Baker .sez.
June 21st, 2025 at 8:50 am
Each time a new ranking comes out a few posters always question the ranking.
June 21st, 2025 at 9:11 am
Where do they keep the plaque for 57th best anything? Win a Super Bowl. That’s the standard. For active QBs, that’s a short list, even if you include Rodgers who is years past relevant.
June 21st, 2025 at 9:35 am
I’m really pulling for the pride of Lizard Lick. According to Wikipedia he is the only notable person to come out of the community of 1300. Hometown hero. As a small town boy myself it makes my heart proud.
June 21st, 2025 at 10:56 am
After the last 2 seasons, Baker should be Top-20 or even Top-10.