Prospect Comparison: Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston

theScore's prospect comparison series takes an in-depth, head-to-head look at some of the top players leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft.

Prospect Comparisons
Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston
Amari Cooper vs. Kevin White
Vic Beasley vs. Dante Fowler
Todd Gurley vs. Melvin Gordon

Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston

As is the case nearly every year, a debate between the top players at the most important position on the field captures the majority of headlines leading up to draft day.

With Florida State's Jameis Winston and Oregon's Marcus Mariota representing the lone first-round quarterback prospects - and quite possibly the top two players in the class overall - this year is no different.

Of course, off-field concerns have and will continue to play a key factor in evaluations of Winston's draft stock, but how do this year's top signal callers stack up on the field?

Arm Strength

Continuing to refine and shorten his once-elongated release will be key for Winston as he makes the transition to the NFL, but there's never been a question surrounding his arm strength. With the ability to drive the football and make every throw on the field, Winston has one of the strongest arms of any quarterback in the class.

Though playing in Oregon's quarterback-friendly offense didn't require him to demonstrate his arm strength as often as Winston did at Florida State, Mariota showed some flashes of impressive velocity as well. Where he'll need to improve at the next level, however, is maintaining accuracy. Overthrowing and having the ball sail over a receiver is a sure-fire way to find turnovers against NFL defenses.

Advantage: Winston

Accuracy/Anticipation

As impressive as Winston is physically - demonstrating an elite throwing arm - what makes him an early first-round pick and potential franchise-caliber quarterback is his elite combination of accuracy and anticipation. In particular, Winston's ability and willingness to throw receivers open sets him apart from not only the other signal callers in this draft, but also from many that have come before him.

Quarterback-friendly offense or not, Mariota impressed with his accuracy and ball placement at Oregon. Though it's a relative unknown more than a weakness, questions about his ability to throw with anticipation hurt him in this direct comparison. Mariota could very well thrive in throwing his receivers open at the next level, but it's concerning there aren't many examples of him doing so heading into the draft.

Advantage: Winston

Decision-Making

Along with his off-field issues, overall decision-making in the passing game represents one of the main concerns about Winston. Though some will take his willingness to challenge tight windows as a positive, throwing 18 interceptions this past season raises questions about his ability to take care of the football. Winston won't be able to overcome disastrous first-half performances in the NFL the way he did at Florida State, so cutting down on turnovers is imperative.

Oregon's offensive scheme will get plenty of credit for the unit's efficiency and success, but Mariota's decision-making and ability to avoid turnovers is one of his most impressive qualities. The trait should translate well at the professional level, allowing him to focus on and develop in other areas he may currently be lacking.

Advantage: Mariota

Pocket Presence

Another way that Winston sets himself apart from other quarterbacks is his ability to play from, and move within, the pocket. Whether it's sensing the rush and effortlessly evading pressure, or remaining poised on his spot to deliver a throw with defenders at his feet, Winston has the pocket presence of a seasoned NFL veteran at just 21 years old. From every draft class since Andrew Luck in 2012 until this year, there isn't a quarterback that approaches Winston's ability in this area of the game.

Though he's able to step up and avoid defenders to make throws from within the pocket, along with his ability to escape pressure with ease when a play breaks down, Mariota is a step behind Winston in this regard. Short-area quickness and overall athleticism should see him learn the necessary footwork to be successful in more pro-style concepts, but like other areas of his game, a transition period may be necessary.

Advantage: Winston

Athletic Ability

Winston made some impressive plays with his legs in college, including a highlight-reel 28-yard touchdown run against Oklahoma State, but he just doesn't have the athleticism to do the same against NFL defenses. Winston will make his presence felt from the pocket, and there's nothing wrong with that.

While Mariota's success at the pro level won't depend on his ability as a runner, it gives him other ways to make plays. Quick and elusive with top-end speed, while also demonstrating an understanding of when to keep plays alive and when to protect his body from contact, Mariota is the kind of athletic quarterback teams will need to prepare for in more ways than one.

Advantage: Mariota

Overall Comparison

Advantage: Winston

Both Winston and Mariota are top-tier quarterbacks, and they're likely to hear their names called within the first 10 selections - if not the first two - of this month's draft. If Winston is able to answer his off-field questions, his physical tools as a passer, elite pocket presence and ability to throw with accuracy and anticipation all combine to make him the top quarterback available.

For his part, Mariota should become a productive NFL player. A strong system fit would go a long way toward easing his transition to the professional ranks, but Winston remains the best bet at the No. 1 overall spot for a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that has long been in search of a franchise-caliber quarterback.