Editor's note: This was originally published before the NFL Draft on April 26.

Baker Mayfield has his believers and detractors, some relevant and some not. But one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history is firmly in his corner.

Troy Aikman made that clear on Sportsradio KTCK-AM (1310) and FM (96.7) The Ticket in Dallas on Thursday morning, saying that he believes in Mayfield's long-term ability in the NFL.

"I think his game translates to the NFL and I really believe he’s going to have success," Aikman said. "I watched him on TV the last couple of years and I didn’t really enjoy watching him play much on TV because every time they showed him he was talking and chirping and I just got worn out by it.

"But when I started studying him, I said, 'This guy can really play.'"

Aikman also put to rest any comparisons to Johnny Manziel — on or off the field.

"This guy throws the ball much better than Johnny Manziel ever thought about throwing it," he said.

In the hours before the draft, Mayfield is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick. None of the options — from Sam Darnold to Josh Allen to Josh Rosen — are perfect, but Mayfield had the most divisive (and the most productive) college career of the bunch.

"I think he’s a pretty confident guy. I don’t think (his antics) fly in the NFL," Aikman said. "There’s the watchdog, Roger Goodell and company who will certainly curtail that and they should.

"I do believe the chip on the shoulder that he carries is part of it. That’s what has made him what he is."

Perhaps the biggest knock on Mayfield is his height — just a touch over 6 feet. But Aikman didn't seem concerned about that, either.

"I think height is overrated," Aikman added. "His left tackle was 6-foot-8 and they don’t get any taller than that. I’m 6-4 and there were times I couldn’t see over offensive linemen."

Mayfield will find out his NFL destination, along with the rest of the country, during Thursday night's first round that begins at 7 p.m. CT in Arlington.

"I’ve talked to people who wouldn’t touch him and I’ve talked to people who really love him," Aikman said, who added that he would take Darnold No. 1 overall for the Browns. "I think wherever he goes he’s capable of playing Week 1."

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