NFL Scouting Combine: Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston
By Erik Lambert
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Duck quarterback Marcus Mariota and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston wait to start their workout during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to being the first quarterback off the board and even the first overall pick, it’s a two-horse race between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. What did the NFL scouting combine reveal about the top two prospects?
40-Yard Dash
via the official NFL Scouting Combine website:
"“The 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the combine. It’s kind of like the 100-meters at the Olympics: It’s all about speed, explosion and watching skilled athletes run great times. These athletes are timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. What the scouts are looking for is an explosion from a static start.”"
Mariota: 4.52 seconds
Winston: 4.97 seconds
There is no question that Winston has enough juice in his legs to get out of trouble, but as far as being a true threat on the ground who can pick up serious yards, that advantage clearly goes to Mariota. The quarterback posted the best time of the day and actually outran several receivers and running backs. He is a true dual-threat.
Next: Vertical Jumps