2015 NFL Draft Profile: Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon

Marcus Mariota is a true dual threat quarterback. He can hurt you as much with his legs as he can with his arm. His ability to scramble outside the pocket and buy time in the passing game is a real asset. However, there is a knock about Mariota’s ability to stay in the pocket and deliver passes under pressure.

He offers a quick release, but that release isn’t as accurate as it could be. Instead, his pass accuracy is inconsistent at best. Because of this, Marcus Mariota has drawn comparisons to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick from CBS Sports and NFL.com. That is a fairly accurate comparison due to their size, talents, and skill set.

Mariota played in an Oregon offense that often relied on quick reads or one read. When adjusting to the NFL, he will have to become more adept at going through progressions while in the pocket. However, with the right offensive system and personnel surrounding him, Marcus Mariota could be a very successful NFL quarterback.

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

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’4″
Weight: 222 pounds
Arm Length: 32″
Hand Size: 9.875″
40 Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds
Vertical Jump: 36″
Broad Jump: 121″
3 Cone Drill: 6.87 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.11 seconds

Draft Projection

Marcus Mariota is arguably to top quarterback in the draft class. Currently, CBS Sports has him as their #3 overall prospect and their #2 ranked quarterback. Mariota should be a top 5 pick on draft day.

Fit For The Vikings

The Vikings will be looking for a quarterback this offseason to take over as a QB3. Plus, right now there are some rumors that current backup Matt Cassel is ‘uneasy’ about his role with the team.

My Take

If Minnesota hadn’t gotten Teddy Bridgewater in the first round last year, I’d on the Mariota hype train. Despite that, Mariota is a quarterback that many teams with a need at the position will have high on their wish list. The Vikings will most likely look for a veteran backup/3rd string QB rather than use another high draft pick on a passer.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

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