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Why isn’t Baker Mayfield attending the 2018 NFL Draft?

By Patrick Schmidt

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to be a top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft so why isn’t the Heisman Trophy winner in attendance?

The NFL revealed the list of 22 players who will be in attendance at the 2018 NFL Draft later this month. The list featured some of the notable prospects who figure to hear their name called early like Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Saquon Barkley. However, there was one top prospect who was noticeably absent.

Baker Mayfield was not among the 22 who accepted invitations to the NFL Draft. No, this is not a case where he wasn’t going to attend because he didn’t want to be in a situation like Geno Smith or Aaron Rodgers when they slid far in the draft.

This is merely a case of Mayfield wanting to spend the draft with his friends and family and he has so many special people in his life, he wouldn’t be able to be with them if he was at the draft.

Mayfield expressed those sentiments in February but he told Sirius SX’s Basketball and Beyond with Coach K that he was feeling pressure to attend the draft.

Naturally, the NFL would want Mayfield to be there. The draft is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX so having the Big 12 superstar and reigning Heisman Trophy winner in attendance would be a nice attraction.

But Mayfield isn’t so concerned about the media circus surrounding the day he’ll see his NFL dreams become a reality. He’s concerned about spending that time with his friends, family and former coaches who helped him get to this point.

It’s not uncommon either for top prospects to skip the draft either. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota both ditched the draft in favor of spending the day with family. Recently retired offensive tackle, Joe Thomas, famously went wishing with his dad on the day the Cleveland Browns used the No. 3 pick on him.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Where will Baker Mayfield go?

I would have liked to see Mayfield in attendance for the sole fact that I wanted to see what headband he wore for the occasion.

Mayfield is expected to be picked in the top half of the first round.

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