Quote:As I said before (don't remember if it was this thread or another) but I don't understand how people can say Teddy playing a soft schedule means nothing, but Mariota playing in the offense his coach makes him run means a ton. In both cases there are plenty of opportunities to evaluate pro tools aside from scheme and competition. Both excel. 

 

No one is saying we want Mariota ahead of Teddy, but if by some awful luck we wind up picking not first and Teddy is gone then Mariota is a very good consolation prize.

There is certainly a case that can be made, but I've not seen enough to suggest that Mariota can be a day one starter because the offense that he runs is actually a huge detriment to his NFL success. I would strongly advise him to leave after this season, as the longer he stays in Eugene, the more his bad habits will be cemented. He throws off of his backfoot all the time and his footwork and accuracy are sloppy, sloppy. Again, I'm on record saying he is a top 10 pick, but he hasn't shown me enough to give him the keys to the crib Week 1 2014. Best case scenario? He learns behind a veteran and works with a QB guru and is possibly ready to start by the middle of next season. You look at a guy like Teddy and I would bring him in to start tomorrow.

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