I think we really need a QB who stays in the pocket and throws the ball no matter what and would rather take a sack than trying to run. Of course run if there is no other option but we need a QB who can read defenses. It was a complete travesty that Geno had 9 in the box during last weeks game and we were still trying to run the ball. Won't ever happen to an elite passer. Qb's who stay in the pocket have very long careers and can be that franchise QB. Players such as RG3, Kaepernick , Newtown, Vick, Cunningham, even Russell Wilson will have shorter careers because they take unnecessary hits. Mariota won't last long trying to run all the time and I don't see him being a great pro. Essentially he will be the same as Sanchez and Geno coming here and being tossed into the fire and high possibility of failing
Mariota seems like a smart guy....call me crazy, but I think he would fall into the Russell Wilson category, whereby he slides or goes out of bounds before taking a lick. I'm always very impressed with the way Russell gets down or out of bounds when he takes off.
I think as he gets to the next level he's going to evolve and become more of a stay at home QB and only run when necessary--like Rodgers. _
Mariota's current game isn't going to work in the NFL, he will get killed. If he succeeds in the NFL it won't happen overnight, he will take sometime to develop. Mariota's intelligence and how he handles himself as a perfect teammate gives him an advantage.
This thread is a moot point because hes going to Tampa Bay...we'll watch him throw to Evans and Jackson and turn their team around instead amd we'll get stuck with Jamarcus Winston
I hope he does pan out if we do pick him in the draft. I'm just frustrated with year after year we never have a QB who can get the job done.