Meet the Prospects: Mariota, Winston headline quarterback class
Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.
Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties
Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 219 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 4,454 passing yards, 42 TDs, 4 INTs, 770 rushing yards, 15 TDs
Mariota's combination of athleticism, intelligence and work ethic will be extremely hard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to pass on with the first overall pick. Mariota ran a 4.48 40-yard dash in high school, so his workout could be fun to watch.
Jameis Winston, Florida State
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 3,907 passing yards, 25 TDs, 18 INTs
His physical tools aren't up for debate, but NFL teams will have to decide whether they want to be inextricably linked to Winston for at least three years. Red flags off the field could hurt his stock, but with a weak quarterback class, a team may take the risk and reel in his physical tools early.
Brett Hundley, UCLA
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 227 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 stats: 3,155 passing yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs, 644 rushing yards, 10 TDs
A fluid athlete, Hundley's combination of size and physical tools make him the best bet to be the third quarterback off the board in April's draft. After declining a Senior Bowl invite, he'll need to put his athleticism on display and show scouts he can improve his football IQ and accuracy.
Bryce Petty, Baylor
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age: 23
2014 stats: 3,855 passing yards, 29 TDs, 7 INTs
The only knock on this prototypical passer is his ability to run a pro-style offense. Petty has the physical tools and demeanor of a pro quarterback, but he needs to demonstrate an ability to read coverages and throw receivers open. He could surge past Hundley off the field, in meetings with coaches and general managers.
Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Age: 23
2014 stats: 4,006 passing yards, 32 TDs, 7 INTs
Grayson is a play extender. but the Colorado State product will need to overcome a poor bowl game and the natural predilection for scouts to overlook quarterbacks from non-Power 5 conferences. His decision-making is a strength, but improving accuracy will be a major focus for him in workouts.
Shane Carden, East Carolina
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 221 lbs.
Age: 23
2014 stats: 4,736 passing yards, 20 TDs, 10 INTs
In the mix as one of the handful of players who could shoot to the third quarterback spot, Carden needs to prove he has the tools to run a pro-style offense. Arm strength, accuracy and game management are all question marks.
Sean Mannion, Oregon State
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 227 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 stats: 3,164 passing yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs
Ahead of the curve after running a pro-style offense at Oregon State, Mannion has a big frame and a bigger arm to show off at the combine and his pro day. His pro-readiness is only undermined by poor footwork and pocket presence that lead to inaccurate throws.