2. Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Perhaps the hardest prospect to evaluate in the entire draft, Marcus Mariota could be anything from the next big star to the next Tim Tebow. The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner led the NCAA in TDs and total offense en route to a PAC-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl win for the Oregon Ducks in 2014. Mariota’s skill with his legs to stretch the field made him the most dynamic dual-threat QB in the NCAA this past year after Johnny Manziel went to the NFL – he blew away the NFL Scouting Combine with his athletic ability, recording an impressive 4.52 40-time as well. Mariota also brings the intangibles of leadership and great personality, making him one of the most respected men to come out of college in years.
Though Mariota may be the best pure athlete available as a QB prospect, he struggles at time to throw perfect spirals and can be slow on his release. He would be ideal in a read-option system but may struggle to adjust to playing directly under center – something he did fewer than 30 times all of last season in Oregon but something he’ll have to do at least as many times per game in the NFL.
Projection: Top 10 overall
COMMENTS