Jameis Winston vs Marcus Mariota

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the second half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Skill-Set Translation

What Mariota does with the system he’s running doesn’t translate to the NFL while Winston runs a pro style offense. Mariota throws a ton of bubble screens and running back screens as one of his big touchdown throws  was lobbed deep to a wide open man off of a fake bubble-screen the defense bit on. And as soon as his primary receiver isn’t open, he’s uncomfortable and wants to run, which will work in the NFL until he’s injured.

Winston is comfortable in the pocket and goes through all of his progressions before the even thinks of running. He also has great timing and anticipation when throwing, usually throwing the football before his intended receiver makes his break. That’s how quarterbacks play in the NFL while Mariota plays in a high school system which is actually what he ran in high school.

Mariota is a terrific athlete but has a long way to go to be pro ready while Winston can be a day-1 starter in the NFL.