Marcus Mariota Scouting Report: Is He Falling?

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes ball as offensive lineman Hamani Stevens (54) blocks Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Rashad Frazier (17) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

What I See

The first thing I see is the same thing the scouting world sees and that’s his amazing athleticism. To have that kind of arm, that kind of speed and that kind of ability to throw on the run is crazy. Some from the scouting world want to see more alpha-male and fire, but his even keel demeanor is fine by me.

He knows his limitations as a passer so he doesn’t try to threat the needle, rarely throwing interceptions. But oddly I caught Dane Brungler of CBSSports.com saying, “Very strong arm and not afraid to make challenging throws into tight windows. Not only is that not his mental makeup but his system doesn’t require him to do that.

I also noticed that he is quick to pull it down and run when the pocket is collapsing and he won’t wait the extra millisecond for a receiver to break open and take the shot as he throws. I would also like to see him keep his eyes down the field more as he scrambles. G.M.s with normal NFL rosters will shy away from him because right now, he needs certain surroundings to succeed.

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