Now that Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston have declared early for the 2015 NFL Draft, we have our first clear quarterback debate, one that is likely to continue for years.
The wild support for Mariota at No. 1 has waned after Oregon's loss to Ohio State in the CFP National Championship game, but he remains one of the safest quarterback choices in this draft and could blossom into one of the league's best QBs. Even if teams have concerns about certain areas of his development, they'd be foolish to pass on him.
MORE: Mariota turns pro | Jameis Winston scouting report | Mock Draft | Underclassmen tracker
Why he’s special
Mariota has drawbacks, but he also has had few off-field issues (just a speeding ticket in November) and there are no concerns about his leadership ability. He mastered his college offense (never mind what that offense asked him to do) and he meets the size, arm strength and athleticism thresholds. All of that should ease teams' fears about his ability to last in the pros.
Mariota’s character is one of his more comforting traits. Some Oregon players believe Mariota’s leadership and demeanor, not coach Mark Helfrich, kept the Ducks on track after Chip Kelly's departure. Mariota controlled a high-tempo offense that requires ample pre-snap decisions and confidence in his teammates.
Post-snap, Mariota is one of the deadliest passers in recent draft history. He combines tremendous athletic ability and running skill with plus arm strength. Last season his deep ball improved greatly. His placement outside the hashes downfield still needs ample improvement, but Mariota has the skill set to become better in that area.
Mariota’s mental makeup, his improvement as a college QB despite a coaching change, his ideal body type (6-4, 219 pounds), his arm and his decisiveness as a passer should have scouts thoroughly excited about his future.
Why teams will have pause
Detractors can point to the fact Oregon's system didn't force Mariota to make NFL-level progressions, but the biggest concerns him are his footwork in the pocket and his vision when forced off his first read. Both areas are coachable, but the transition won't be easy for a passer who was more focused on tempo and less on technique.
Mariota is certain to win teams over in the interview room, but offensive coordinators will still need to be sold that he can make the transition from Oregon's offense to an NFL offense in a year, which is the new timeline for first-round quarterback development.
Bottom line
NFL clubs take a risk-averse approach to drafting a quarterback, yet they still haven't had a great track record with drafting quarterbacks the past 10 years. Mariota is the rare player who offers safety and potential. He far exceeds the requirements to be considered a first-round quarterback. His comparison as a more athletic, stronger-armed Alex Smith doesn’t shout “first-overall worthy," but he still is the top quarterback in the 2015 class. Mariota will have a chance to cement that position with teams during the next three months.
Eric Galko is the owner and director of scouting at Optimum Scouting and OptimumScouting.com, as well as a Sporting News contributor. Follow him on Twitter: @OptimumScouting.