It’s been a couple of months since Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales’ introductory press conference. Since then, a lot has gone on. Most specifically the Bucs signed quarterback Baker Mayfield, who looks to be the frontrunner to be the next starting quarterback in Tampa Bay.

Yes, Mayfield does have to battle it out with Kyle Trask to win the job. Trask may have an advantage having been in the facility and knowing these players for longer, but Mayfield already knows the offense better. If I were a bettering man (I am), though, I would put my money down on Mayfield to be the starter come Week 1. During Dave Canales’ press conference on Wednesday, he had plenty to say about both quarterbacks, though he raved about Mayfield’s attitude.

Dave Canales Loves The Demeanor Of Baker Mayfield

Canales has gotten to work with Mayfield plenty during this phase in the offseason. Wednesday was the first opportunity for the media to ask his thoughts on the highly publicized quarterback. Canales didn’t just say what he liked about him, he raved over features of Mayfield that can’t be taught.

Bucs OC Dave Canales – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I just like his presence. He just has such a great swag,” Canales said. “He steps into the huddle, he belongs. He comes in right in here, he’ll light up the room. He’s a good dude and he just knows how to connect with people. That’s what I’ve been most excited (about). And then of course, the game’s never too big for him. The bullets start flying and he stays cool. I love that about him.

Canales had mentioned before that his offense is very kind to the quarterback. He reiterated that again on Wednesday, so when it comes how Mayfield fits into this offense, it’s very welcoming to him as it would be for any other player.

“As far as our system, our system is pretty friendly in terms of who the player is and what type of athlete they are,” Canales said. “Because we do have so many different ways to get to the right play, it ends up being friendly for any type of quarterback. Would I love the quarterback to be the fastest guy on the field, a dynamic playmaker and all that stuff? Absolutely. That’s a dream because when they do take off to scramble, they just get more yards. We don’t necessarily have a physical mode for that.”

Baker Mayfield Is A New Man In Tampa

There was something in particular that caught the attention of Tampa Bay’s new offensive coordinator when he interacted with his potential new starter. He shared a story of conversing with Mayfield and how he saw a passion in him after learning from his previous trials and tribulations over the previous two seasons. In a way, it’s calmed Mayfield down and given him a different outlook to his approach.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch//PR

“When we first signed him, he came into my office and he sat for a couple hours,” Canales said. “The biggest message he was sending to me was ‘I just learned to let go and to just be ready for whatever opportunity.’ Because he thought it was going to be Carolina, and then Carolina said no. Cleveland said no. He goes to the Rams and the Rams were happy to have him at that time, but then they eventually say no because they have (Matthew) Stafford.

“He’s been told no enough times where I can feel the hunger that he has, wanting to reestablish himself as a starter and to really have the type of career he envisioned, the Browns envisioned taking him one overall. There’s something in him right now where there’s this release.”