Mariota faced possibly the toughest defense he’ll see this year when the Ducks hosted the Spartans on Sept. 6. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
At 6-4 and 219, the Hawaii native has the stature for the pros. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Mariota reportedly was clocked at a sub-4.5 40. What’s not in doubt is that he has the speed to outrun most defenders. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
As with all running QBs, Mariota exposes himself to tough hits when he tucks the ball and takes off. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Delivery: More “easy cheese” than cannon. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Though typically quiet, Mariota gets as pumped as anyone in big games. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Mariota’s running shows toughness and elusiveness in equal measure. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Another big plus for pro scouts: A football mind and work ethic that are unquestioned. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
His scrambling style evokes another West Coast QB from an unorthodox system: Colin Kaepernick. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Having developed in Oregon’s spread, Mariota will need some retooling if he’s drafted into a more pro-style system. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Mariota’s savvy play against Michigan State showed he has the ability to run a full-progression-read offense. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
A Pac-12 title—and college football playoff berth—would be a fitting cap to Mariota’s Oregon tenure. (Jonathan Ferrey for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)
Hard to argue with success. (Rod Mar for Sports Illustrated/The MMQB)