2015 NFL Draft: 5 Reasons Marcus Mariota Won’t Be A Bust
Nov 29, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Almost every draft pundit will tell you that the second pick of the draft will be Marcus Mariota, they just don’t know which team will get him. The winner of the Mariota Sweepstakes gets the most controversial player in the 2015 NFL Draft.
It is amazing that people could be so divided over such a class act man with a mild temperament. I guess that is part of the problem, people want a confident quarterback and people wrongly measure confidence solely by charisma.
I am here to tell you why Mariota will not be a draft bust. I am here to tell you that Mariota will be a superstar quarterback who goes to Pro Bowls and wins Super Bowls and is a high pick in fantasy drafts. I am telling you why you will become fond of Mariota, who could be the next Aaron Rodgers.
Next: Reason 5. Mariota's Aaron Rodgers Like Skill Set
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Reason 5. Mariota’s Aaron Rodgers Like Skill Set
Comparing Mariota to Rodgers is so bold that most analysts simply won’t do it. There is no doubt about it though, their talents are shockingly similar.
The arm talent, the mobility and the working of the pocket, Mariota’s game reflects that of Rodgers. There are three major similarities between Mariota and Rodgers.
- They both have the ability to extend plays with their legs, but remain a passer which opens up big plays down the field and minimizes negative plays.
- They both put the football in positions where only the receiver can make a play on the football. Mariota’s accuracy has been called into question but he displays pinpoint accuracy. He puts a lot trust in receivers to make a play and he does it responsibly.
- They both have a calm demeanor and show poise in the face of adversity.
Remember Rodgers came from Cal, which used a good bit of the spread offense. He came from the school that produced Kyle Boller. You cannot hold Mariota a hostage of his situation, he has talent that will work in the pro-style offense. Don’t hold Mariota hostage to the school that he went to.
Next: Reason 4. Where There Is Smoke...
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Reason 4. Where There Is Smoke…
It amazes me that the Buccaneers and for that matter the football world has come to a consensus that Jameis Winston is going first overall. But remember the football world also sees Mariota being taken off the board number 2 overall. Where there is smoke, there is fire.
Why would so many teams be interested in Mariota if he wasn’t worth it. There is not just one questionable franchise trying to take a shot on this guy. There is a line of teams that have done their due diligence and want Mariota badly.
Mariota put up gaudy numbers as the leader of the Oregon Ducks. In 2014 Mariota threw for 4,454 yards 42 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. The stat that impresses me the most is his career completion percentage of 66.8. He is a quick decision maker who makes big plays in his sleep. High football IQ transcends any system.
Next: Reason 3. He Is Not Just A System QB
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Reason 3. He is Not Just A System QB
The idea that Mariota is a system quarterback is ridiculous. The idea that Winston is better solely because of a pro-style offense is even more preposterous. How did the whole pro-style thing work out for Christian Ponder and EJ Manual?
The idea that an amazing athlete cannot learn to take snaps from under center, the most baser component of quarterback play is laughable. Mariota’s mechanics are actually sharper than Winston’s whose throwing motion lags behind. Mariota may have taken snaps from the pistol, but he is more fundamentally sound than Winston.
Mariota has a high football IQ. He will easily pick up any offense he goes to. I think he will pick it up better than Winston who seems awfully reminiscent of Johnny Manziel.
Next: Reason 2. He Is A Different Type Of Leader
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (left) talks to Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Reason 2. He Is a Different Type Of Leader
We live in such an hypocritical time. In a day where arrogance is frowned upon, we need our quarterbacks to be charismatic leaders who call the shots. Mariota is a class act who loves football, he is intelligent and most importantly he has won a lot of big games. When your team is as good as Oregon was, every game is big.
Mariota’s body language, his quiet voice and his soft temperament, these are the factors that made Mariota the second quarterback in this draft. Eli Manning and Joe Flacco have proven that there are more ways to lead than yelling and screaming. Mariota comes up in the clutch moments of football games and its because he is genuine.
Personality doesn’t matter as long as the commitment to the team is there. As long as Mariota is genuine, he will be a fine leader. Mariota is a class act who any team should be proud to have.
Next: Reason 1. I Believe In Him
Oct 2, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to the fans before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Reason 1. I Believe In Him
There is something about Mariota that is different. There is something about him that makes me believe he will be an amazing quarterback. I felt it about Andrew Luck when he was at Stanford. I haven’t felt this way about another quarterback since. I just believe in Mariota.
I have been watching Mariota from the beginning at Oregon. Every time Oregon was on TV, it felt like an event. Mariota put on a show when he was with the Ducks. He dazzled and he did it with confidence. It wasn’t a confidence that shows in an interview. It was a confidence that was only evident on the field.
Mariota loves the game of football. He was born to be a quarterback and I truly believe he will be a superstar that we will remember forever.