Can Anybody Stop Marcus Mariota From Being #1 Pick?

Sep 13, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

As the season progresses it’s becoming clear that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is the heavy favorite to become the #1 overall pick in 2015.  He has played that well thus far and is that talented.  Through four games he has 1,135 passing yards, 214 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns without a single interception.  On top of that he has a high profile victory over a top program when he led a spirited Ducks comeback over Michigan State.

The wins aren’t coming as easy as they did most of last season, which is actually a good thing because it’s proving Mariota can hang tough in high stress situations.  So the question is no longer will he be a top five pick in 2015.  It’s a question of who can stop him from being #1 overall?

Here is a short list of players with a chance, albeit a limited one.

Amari Cooper (Alabama WR)

It doesn’t seem to matter who is quarterbacking Alabama because one way or the other Amari Cooper is going to find a way to burn defenses.  In just four games he already has 43 catches for 655 yards and five touchdowns.  He was probably the single reason why the Crimson Tide were able to pull away from Florida (201 yards, 3 TDs).  His explosiveness and ability to get open make him a deadly target, along with solid 6’1″ size.  Teams eager for a playmaker, like Oakland may find him quite alluring.

Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M OT)

Among a few things that are put at a premium in the NFL are quality pass protectors, especially ones who can play left tackle.  Cedric Ogbuehi checks both boxes.  His rock solid blocking is a huge reason why Texas A&M is so dominant offensively.  He has prototypical size, nimble feet and the required long arms to lock down pass rushers before they can get past him.  He doesn’t shy away from physicality either, showing several times that he can run block too.  Just a really good offensive tackle who can start right away.

Leonard Williams (USC DE)

Teams are always in search of that rare football player who transcends a system and can succeed regardless of where and how he’s lined up.  Leonard Williams is proving himself that kind of athlete for USC.  At 290 lbs he has amazing quickness for his size but also the desired power to simply drive blockers back into the lap of the quarterback.  Like pass protectors, pass rushers are the other premium set by drafts and Williams is at the top of that list.  The word “special” may get thrown around too much but this guy has it in him to be special.

Marcus Mariota will solidify his spot atop the 2015 draft board if he goes out big this season, but regarding the #1 overall pick, he leads the pack but not by much.