NFL Network’s Mike Mayock held a live chat on NFL.com Friday afternoon, and the draft community’s top prognosticator pinpointed the main concern about Pittsburgh receiver Jonathan Baldwin that may result in a slide down the board in late April.
Calling Baldwin “one of the bigger questions in this year’s draft,” Mayock explained that Baldwin has a “well-earned reputation as a diva.
“And publicly trashed his starting QB at Pitt.”
The situation Mayock is referring to was documented by John Taylor of CFT on December 8. Prior to the Pittsburgh Panthers’ January bowl game, Baldwin was asked whether it was “safe to say” he’d leave for the pros after his third-year junior season.
“No it’s not safe to say that,” Baldwin replied. “It doesn’t change my quarterback! ... Heck yeah I’m leaving. It can only get worse.”
According to Mayock, Baldwin “could be the third (wide receiver) off the board” next month, “or he could be the fourth or fifth,” depending on NFL teams’ feelings about his attitude.
Baldwin was a guest on PFT Live Friday. You can listen to Baldwin and make your own judgment.