Gus Malzahn: Nick Marshall can be a quarterback in the NFL

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn doesn't buy the argument that Nick Marshall will have a better chance at making it in the NFL as a cornerback. 

Appearing on NFL Network, Malzahn said he believes Marshall could play quarterback if he joins an offense suited to his talents.

"I know he can be a quarterback at the next level," Malzahn said, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "It needs to be in the right system. You're talking about a guy that's probably one of the best zone-read quarterbacks in the history of college football. 

"He's got a unique skill set. He broke the school record against the most talented defense we faced last year (passing for 456 yards against Alabama). So he's got the ability, he's got the knack to win games, when the game's on the line, that very few quarterbacks have. So I believe he can play quarterback in the right system."

The question is whether there's an NFL team out there willing to take a shot on Marshall as a quarterback. He worked out with both the quarterbacks and defensive backs at the scouting combine, but was far less impressive in the passing drills.

"He's a great athlete," Malzahn said of Marshall. "He can play defensive back, he can play receiver, he's got a great attitude, he's a team player, and he just wants to help someone win."