Several NFL teams out there are still looking for their quarterbacks of the future. A handful of them will still be without a franchise signal-caller next season as the 2015 NFL draft appears to have only two quarterbacks worthy of a top pick: Florida State's Jameis Winston and Oregon's Marcus Mariota.
But which quarterback is better?
Most would say Mariota right now. He's No. 1 on ESPN Insider Mel Kiper's Big Board. Winston sits at No. 7.
I respectfully disagree with Kiper's analysis and here are three reasons why:
1. Winston is 26-0 as a starter with a National Championship under his belt. For all of the off-field issues he's had, there is no denying he is virtually perfect when he steps on it. His record is unblemished and he has the hardware to support his claim as the best quarterback in college football. Quarterbacks are judged on winning. It's the reason why Tim Tebow was so revered in college despite not being a traditional passer. Winston should be seen in a similar light for his on-field accomplishments, especially considering he's running a pro-style offense.
Mariota is 32-4 as a starter. Obviously, that is an incredible record that bodes well for future success. But it does not compare to Winston's. Mariota should be commended for his two bowl wins. But a victory against the 8-5 Texas Longhorns in last year's Alamo Bowl isn't exactly the stuff that legends are made of.
2. Winston plays his best football when his back is up against the wall. The Seminoles have three victories this season after trailing by at least 15 points. FSU has mustered comeback wins against Clemson, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Louisville and Miami. Winston has thrown more touchdowns and has a higher passer rating on the road than at home this season. He's completing 64 percent of his passes and has thrown four touchdowns against just one interception in fourth quarters this season. Winston's completion percentage (74) is 14 points higher than Mariota's against ranked opponents this season. Oh, and he also led a huge comeback against Auburn in the National Championship game. Bonus points for that one.
Say what you want about Winston's maturity and questionable decision making, the guy is as clutch as they come. There's something to be said for keeping a cool head when you're down late against good teams.
That's not to say Mariota is a no-show in big games. His stats are great across the board. But he hasn't been tested in pressure situations as often as Winston. Scouts know Winston won't fold when push comes to shove. There isn't as much of a guarantee when it comes to the Oregon Ducks quarterback. Who's to say that his skills in Oregon's spread attack will translate to a more traditional offense in the NFL?
3. "In terms of size, arm, mobility and instincts, [Winston] is the top quarterback prospect in the country," Rob Rang of CBS Sports wrote.
"As a pocket passer, Winston's more refined," NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah wrote.
"Marcus Mariota, for all his amazing abilities, has been questioned for his ability to command a huddle given his somewhat quiet and soft-spoken nature. By contrast, Winston is visibly animated during games, talking with coaches and teammates and always letting his enthusiasm show. There is no question who is in charge on that field," wrote NFLmocks.com's Erik Lambert.
Both quarterbacks could very well go onto long and successful careers in the NFL. I happen to love watching Mariota play and think he has a bright future. But at the end of the day, give me the guy with the winning pedigree who elevates his team to a different level when facing a big deficit and has all of the physical tools to dominate in the pros.
