Quote: 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/991425...-afc-squad

 

<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Draft analysis:</b> This choice likely could come down to Mariota and Bridgewater, and two key variables would go into the decision: Who do they grade as the No. 1 QB on the board, and are there any QB-needy teams picking in front of them? Both Mariota (No. 2 overall on our board right now) and Bridgewater (No. 3) are very good players, but Mariota gets the slight edge because of his tremendous upside. He has elite speed as a runner to go along with a very quick release and good accuracy. Bridgewater is a good athlete as well, but he does most of his damage from the pocket. He is tough, a good decision-maker and has a strong, accurate arm.

<p style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;text-align:right;"><i>-- Todd McShay</i>

<div>He says Mariota but I like his take on Bridgewater much better, good decision maker, better from the pocket, strong and accurate arm. I will take that over elite speed, quick release and upside any day. Its not like Bridgewater doesnt have upside, but just drafting a guy due to better upside gets you fired, see Blaine Gabbert. 
 

</div>

 

It's not a very popular opinion to have around here. Mariota's explosive athleticism is scary good. But for whatever reason people are scared of that. They want a pocket passer who struggles throwing the deep ball and focuses on check downs. Mariotas upside is that he's a quick learner and people just don't want to acknowledge that potential. Watch out when his athletic ability matches his game IQ. It's going to be something to watch. 

---