Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, No. 5 in the NFLDraftScout.com top 64, could pull a minor surprise this weekend at the Scouting Combine by participating in on-field throwing drills.
Mariota is the second-ranked quarterback in the 2015 draft behind Florida State’s Jameis Winston. He was not expected to participate — and it would still be a mild upset if he chooses to throw Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium — because of a shoulder injury suffered five weeks ago against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Ducks’ loss in the CFP national title game.
“Really, I’m looking forward to throwing if I’m able to do that,” Mariota said Monday in Fort Worth, where he accepted the Davey O’Brien Award. “It’s going to be a decision that my agent and the team that I have around me will decide when I get closer.”
The passing session, whether in Indianapolis or Eugene during Pro Day workouts, will be important for Mariota.
“You just have to get one team to love you. That’s all that really matters,” Mariota said.
While he had 5,224 total yards and 58 touchdowns as a junior, there are still doubts about Mariota’s ability to transition from a wide-open spread offense to a pro-style system that demands the quarterback serve as a coach, coordinator and passer all in one tidy package.
Mariota took the majority of his snaps from the shotgun and most of his throws were simplified to one vertical read and one horizontal read. He has no experience identifying defensive formations and shifts before the snap — most of those calls came from the sideline — or going through standard progressions while dropping back from center.
Yet, Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly — who coached Mariota at Oregon — said in the buildup for the championship game in January that Mariota is as mentally ready as he is physically. That’s saying a lot, considering Mariota will likely blaze a 40-yard time in the 4.5s and most scouts do see NFL arm strength.
“I’m going to continue to be who I am and find ways to lead and develop relationships around me and be the best player I can be,” Mariota said. “I’m going to work hard at it and do whatever it takes to win a game.”