The NFL draft is a time of great excitement for teams and their fans. Drafting new players brings new promise and a fresh outlook for the organization, whether it is about turning around a losing team or adding the final piece of the puzzle to a contender.
Marcus Mariota A Safer Draft Pick Than Jameis Winston?
And because everyone wants to know how good these draftees will be as soon as possible, draft analysts always look to compare them to current NFL players. Nowhere is this more true than with quarterbacks, as they are the lynchpin of any successful franchise. And according to the Tampa Sun Times, this year's two best prospects have some interesting comparables in the league.
Everyone seems to agree that Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are the top prospects, and in that order. And everyone is definitely always hoping to draft the next Aaron Rodgers, as he is widely considered the best quarterback in the league. And one of these guys compares favorably to Rodgers.
Marcus Mariota To Become Draft Bust?
Many assume that Winston is the guy, as he is one of the highest-rated QB prospects in the last 15 years. However, it is actually Mariota that matches up well with Rodgers, as he has the athleticism to make plays when needed, he has many of the intangibles that teams want in a quarterback, and he will also have some systematic adjustments to make before he can develop into an elite passer.
Buccaneers fans may want to avert their eyes, because the guy that Winston most favorably compares to is Jay Cutler. Both are only mildy athletic, have strong arms that lead to many impressive throws, and have shown some questionable decision-making habits.
Obviously how Winston and Mariota develop will depend heavily on which teams draft them and the supporting cast. But heading into the draft, there are a wide range of possible outcomes for both young men, although Mariota just may have the higher upside.
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