NFL Scouting Combine: Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston
By Erik Lambert
Throwing
These throwing drills are about more than simply having a tight spiral. They measure arm strength, accuracy, footwork, release point and windup. Consistency is a big key.
Watching Winston and Mariota go through the drills, it was clear why both are considered the top-tier passers in the 2015 NFL Draft. Each had a easy release with plenty of mustard on the ball.
Where there was a degree of separation was in the accuracy. Having played in a pro offense at Florida State, Jameis Winston knew the intricacies of footwork and timing. Combined with his good arm, his throws were rarely (if ever) off target during every drill. Mariota had some nice tosses too, but a few also tended to sail on him, particularly when going deep. A big part of that was his unfamiliarity with taking drops from the center and using his feet properly.
So far I'm giving Jameis Winston the early edge throwing
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) February 21, 2015
An issue that simple can be fixed with work and good coaching. However, if we’re talking about an advantage towards being first off the board, this definitely must go to Winston.