Marcus Mariota a bigger Russell Wilson in Jon Gruden's eyes

Jordan Heck

Marcus Mariota a bigger Russell Wilson in Jon Gruden's eyes image

Jameis Winston is expected to be the top NFL Draft pick Thursday, but former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden thinks Marcus Mariota is the best player in the class.

Gruden, an NFL analyst at ESPN, in a pre-draft film session talked about some of his favorite players, including the Oregon quarterback.

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"I don't understand why he isn't the No. 1 player in this draft on Mel Kiper's Big Board," Gruden said, via ESPN. "I don't know anybody in this draft that can do for a football team what Mariota can do."

Gruden explained how Mariota's experience in a no-huddle offense doesn't make him any less talented. He believes the Heisman winner will adapt to any system with success.

"Mariota is the same size as Jameis Winston. He runs 4.52 40, he is incredibly elusive, and man, is he a playmaker and a great competitor," Gruden said. "I see him functioning in the pocket, out of the pocket, and if you want to run a zone-read, he'll rip the defense apart. He is like Russell Wilson, only he is 6-4."

 

Jordan Heck

Jordan Heck Photo

Jordan Heck is a Social Media Producer at Sporting News. Before working here, he was a Digital Content Producer at The Indianapolis Star. He graduated with a degree from Indiana University.