Quote:
Originally Posted by Daddio
Is Mariotta worth trading up for? I say yes but it would be costly to get the pick from TB.
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Now this is the question.
Wikipedia page is
here.
Short Answer? Based on what I've seen on the guy, I'd have to say yes, definitely worth trading up for.
In the long form, it really depends on what you have to pay to get him. Flipping ones, throwing next years one and both this years and next years 2s at tampa bay to be guaranteed access to the kid, maybe more? I don't know.
He's a Heisman winner, but so was Tebow, so we know that's not a predictor of greatness.
He's 36 and 5 at Oregon, meaning he's a winner at the college level, but then, so was Ryan Leaf.
What intrigues me most is the kid's Touchdown/interception numbers:
32/6, 31/4., 42/4
I feel like these numbers show that the kid is capable of making good decisions under pressure.
A fact which is backed up by his rushing numbers: Mariotta has rushed for at least 700 yards in each season at oregon, which is pretty amazing, when you think about it - he had to decide, in the heat of the moment, to abandon the throw, and then run for it, and in doing so, was able to average about 6 yards an attempt over the course of his career.
At 6'4, he's got the height you are looking for in a prototypical quarterback, and he's from samoan and german lineage: from the point of view of stereotypes, at least, this fellow is going to be physical and mentally tough.
Finally, when you sit his career down next to someone like Winston's, the difference becomes apparent: Mariotta has none of the stench of juvenile behavior and entitledness wafting off him that Winston does.
Mariotta looks like the best prospect right now for becoming an elite level quarterback. If it's true that the Texans are 'a quarterback away' from winning the superbowl, you almost HAVE to pay whatever is being asked, although, I, personally, would hope to avoid paying as much as Washington did for RGIII.
Hell, I'd float Andre Johnson to 'em as part of a package if I thought it would help, and I would dearly like to have that man retire wearing deep steel blue.