NFL Draft Player Profile: Marcus Mariota of Oregon

by Derrik Klassen

(Mariota #8) Photo Credit: zimbio.com

Despite being a Freshman, Mariota made a name for himself in the 2012-2013 season. Now, while he is talented and flashes many valuable traits, he still needs refinement, like any young QB. Few QBs can dominate like Mariota did, let alone doing it as a Freshman. Manziel, who is criminally over-rated as an NFL prospect and shouldn't even be considered a top 10 QB, is over-shadowing Mariota and could end up making Mariota a steal come draft day.

Like all Oregon players should be, Mariota possesses lethal speed and quickness in the open field. His speed and versatility at the QB position adds another dimension to the high-tempo offense that Oregon runs. To emphasize his versatility, Mariota even caught a pass that resulted in a touchdown. It may have only been 2 yards, but having a TD reception as a QB is an exclusive club. Being the mobile threat that Mariota is, he has honed his ability to throw on the move and still maintain accuracy. He also sports a solid pocket presence as he senses blitzes, calmly reacts, and saves the play. Although he is a stellar mobile threat, the real question is does he have the arm talent?

Mariota possesses solid velocity and a nice zip on his passes. He also shown his ability to be an accurate passer, but we don't always see it. While he tends to be on target, he misses some passes that he simply shouldn't although they should have been rather easy. It also appears as if Mariota doesn't trust his arm enough. He will have opportunities to throw, yet he simply refuses. This is both a gift and a curse. While he won't be forcing passes that he shouldn't be, he is also disabling himself from making the tough throws that will get him recognized as a top-tier QB prospect.

As of now, Marcus Mariota is only my No.9 ranked QB, but definitely shows the upside to crack the top 5. To be in the top 10 at all based off of a Freshman season alone is quite impressive and I hope to see much more from the young QB next season.