Marcus Mariota Scouting Report: Is He Falling?

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field during the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

To some G.M.s, the headache comes from having to change not only their system but their personnel because he needs a running back that’s threat to take it to the house. And once you worry too much about that, he can take off or throw to a fast receiver because one missed step by the defense opens something up and when you have speed on the field, receivers are that much more open.

Then he has to have receivers that run well after the catch too, because most of his throws are bubble screens. The other G.M.s will have headaches over how long it will take for him to learn how to be a pro pocket passer. Sure, Mariota is smart but so is Tim Tebow, and you see how long it was taking him so these things take time, something most G.M.s don’t have.

And Ohio State exposed the fact that if you can keep him in the pocket and not get fooled by their fakes, he can’t beat you.

So is he falling?

Yes, he fell already but only to No. 2 overall.