Mariota’s day goes ‘OK’
EUGENE, Ore. >> Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota highlighted Oregon’s pro day Thursday, looking to show he has the skill set to succeed in the NFL.
Five NFL general managers, as well as Tennessee coach Ken Whisenhunt, watched the workout at the Ducks’ indoor practice facility.
Mariota, along with 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, are considered top picks when the draft starts on April 30. Tampa Bay has the top pick, followed by the Titans. Mariota said he had met with the Buccaneers and Eagles, and was also going to sit down with the Titans.
Mariota completed 60 of 67 throws he made at pro day, including nine of 10 into the red zone.
“I thought it went OK,” he said afterward. “There were some missed throws here and there but overall I thought I did well.”
The questions surrounding Mariota center on whether
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he can make the transition from the speedy no-huddle spread offense of Oregon to the NFL. During his final season at Oregon, Mariota took just five snaps from behind center and rarely huddled. On pro day, all his snaps came from under center and he and his receiving group huddled.
“I think coming out there was a little bit of butterflies,” he said. “But that’s OK, that’s natural. Once we got in
the thick of things, the group started having fun. It was enjoyable.”