Marcus Mariota is the most dynamic quarterback prospect to enter the NFL since Michael Vick was selected No. 1 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001.
The Heisman Trophy winner has displayed a rare combination of speed, athleticism and passing skill that is uncommon in dual-threat playmakers. He is an explosive runner with the burst and acceleration to evade defenders on the perimeter -- and he also possesses the arm talent and awareness to pick apart defenses from the pocket.
In his three years directing Oregon's high-powered spread offense, Mariota accounted for 134 total touchdowns and amassed more than 13,000 total yards. He also finished his career with just 14 interceptions in 1,167 career pass attempts, reflecting his superb judgment with the ball in his hands.
I've previously broken down Mariota's game on several occasions, including after a recent performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of his game. He's an explosive athlete with tantalizing potential, but he'll need some time to acclimate to the pro game. He lacks experience making full-field reads and would be best served playing in an offense that features several collegiate concepts, including the zone-read and read-option play-action passes, as these will allow him to make quick decisions in the backfield. In addition, Mariota would blossom in a system that features a number of movement-based passes (bootlegs and nakeds) that lure linebackers to the line and require him to make half-field reads on the run.
The recent struggles of Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick would seem to suggest that a mobile quarterback with deep roots in the spread offense will have difficulty transitioning to the NFL. But Mariota's intelligence, savvy and adaptability set him apart from his peers. Oregon's coaches rave about the work ethic and leadership skills he showed during his time in Eugene; they believe his exemplary football character will help him adapt quickly to the pro game. Moreover, these coaches have suggested that Mariota has been exposed to more pro-style passing concepts at Oregon than most people realize; they'd further point out that NFL teams use some of the routes and plays the Ducks use on Saturdays. Ultimately, they think scouts will be surprised by Mariota's football aptitude when they interact with him in meetings at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Assuming Mariota also dazzles evaluators with his explosive athletic attributes in on-field workouts, he could convince a number of teams that he's a franchise quarterback with the physical tools and intangibles needed to develop into an elite player down the road. Below, I've spotlighted five NFL teams that would provide the best fit for Mariota as he transitions to the pros.
Note: There's a good chance Mariota will be one of the first few players drafted, meaning some of these teams might not have an opportunity to select the quarterback using their current first-round selection. However, because trades are always a possibility, and because even the most highly touted player could be picked later than expected, it's valuable to consider organizations positioned outside of the upper end of the first round.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 1 overall pick)
The Buccaneers' offense is brimming with potential, especially with a receiving corps composed of guys who would fit right in on the basketball court. Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins are an imposing trio, with the size, length and athleticism to wreak havoc on opposing defenses. However, scattershot quarterback play prevented the unit from playing at a high level in 2014, and Tampa Bay finished with the 25th-ranked passing attack. The recent arrival of coordinator Dirk Koetter will add more structure to the offense. Koetter's experience working with a relatively young quarterback in Atlanta (Matt Ryan) could help him ease Mariota into the lineup. Moreover, Koetter spent considerable time working in the college ranks, including stints as the head coach at Boise State and Arizona State, meaning he'd likely be able to customize a playbook that accentuates Mariota's strengths as a mobile threat on the perimeter. Considering Mariota's intangibles, leadership skills and big-play ability, it's easy to see the Buccaneers tabbing him to be their franchise quarterback.
New York Jets (No. 6)
New head coach Todd Bowles is certainly inheriting a shaky quarterback situation, with the ever-erratic Geno Smith -- who's been a turnover machine in his two years as a pro -- at the helm. Thus, Bowles could consider replacing Smith with Mariota. While questions persist about the Oregon product's ability to transition to a pro-style offense, the recent hiring of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey could help Mariota thrive on Broadway. The veteran offensive coach has extensive experience working with athletic quarterbacks (Kordell Stewart in Pittsburgh, Jay Fiedler in Miami and Tyler Thigpen in Kansas City) and flirted with the pistol offense during his stints with the Chiefs and Bills. With Gailey presumably willing to utilize various college concepts, including the zone-read, the notion that Mariota could become a Jet should pick up steam as draft day draws closer.
St. Louis Rams (No. 10)
Coach Jeff Fisher desperately needs to shore up the quarterback position to help put the Rams over the top in 2015. He has openly discussed the prospect of continuing to start oft-injured former No. 1 pick Sam Bradford, but the team needs a young signal-caller to build around for the future. Mariota is an ultra-athletic playmaker with the speed, burst and improvisational skills to make explosive plays on the perimeter. Most importantly, he is a dangerous pocket passer with the arm talent to stretch the field by making pinpoint throws to all areas. Given the success Fisher has enjoyed with mobile playmakers (like, for example, Steve McNair and Vince Young in Tennessee), the addition of Mariota could be the spark that helps the Rams get back into the postseason for the first time since 2004.
Kansas City Chiefs (No. 18)
Quarterback is not a top priority for the Chiefs, thanks to the presence of veteran Alex Smith. But coach Andy Reid's track record for developing athletic quarterbacks (Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick and Smith) could make Kansas City the perfect landing spot for Mariota. The veteran coach does a great job teaching young passers the fundamentals of the position while tailoring the offense to suit their skills. Smith, who has experience adjusting from a spread offense in Utah to the various systems he's played in as a pro, could also help Mariota. With a perfect support system in place to foster Mariota's growth and development on the practice field, Kansas City could be the ideal environment for him in the long run.
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 20)
It goes without saying that former Ducks coach Chip Kelly would love to get his hands on Mariota, with whom he had great success at Oregon in 2012. The spectacular playmaker is a perfect fit for Kelly's warp-speed attack, with his dual-threat skills enhancing the Eagles' zone-read-based scheme. In addition, Kelly's previous experience with Mariota would allow him to build a playbook that highlights Mariota's skills and expands Philadelphia's offensive approach. After watching the Eagles build dynamic offenses around pedestrian quarterbacks Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez, the thought of Philly adding an athletic weapon like Mariota would surely make defensive coordinators in the NFC East miserable.
Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.
