2015 NFL Draft Prospect Marcus Mariota is Boom or Bust

Nov 23, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Arizona beat Oregon 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

Mariota has a long way to go so trying to make him an immediate franchise quarterback isn’t a very good idea. If he’s taken in the top five, he’s likely going to a team that doesn’t have a very good offensive line so he’ll be running for his life. And if he does well running when the first receiver in his progression isn’t open, many will celebrate him for it and there will be temptation to keep it up.

If he wins a few games starting out, he’ll keep running and getting celebrated for it and endorsers will be all over him. So the early success and stardom he enjoys, will slow his progress down toward being a real NFL quarterback. Then if he doesn’t get an injury that puts him out for the season, he’ll get a nick here or there to slow him down.

He will then have to become a pocket passer after having his progress being slowed down because he started his career running. Then he tries to polish up on the mechanics and footwork that he doesn’t have now already well into his career. For those of you that still want to liken him to Kaepernick, remember that Kaepernick was taken in the second round and didn’t play much his first year.

I love the kid and want to see him succeed but he is a developmental prospect, not a guy that can do it right away. A coach that wants to save his job may rush him and lean on that athletic ability too much, causing injury and-or slowing down his development. I’ve seen this movie too many times with Cunningham, Vick, and R.G. III and I don’t want to see another phenom ruined.

If he’s developed right, boom!

If he’s rushed, bust!