I decided to check out a Mariota highlight video at random and see what NFL type throws I could find, if any. I was starting to doubt myself about his potential and wanted to see verification, if I could find it, that Mariota has made NFL type throws into tight windows. I wanted to see him hang in the pocket and take a hit, completing the ball anyway. I wanted to see him avoid rushers to make a big play downfield.I skipped over any runs or any plays I felt were too easy (uncovered wide receivers, short screens, bubble plays) and focused in on plays that got yards down the field.Here's what I found.The video link so you can follow along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M0xfn5u6L0 :55Mariota steps to his left to give himself more time to make a throw. He completes the deep pass over two defenders to hit his receiver in stride for 6.2:15A play action fake leads to Mariota finding the open man over the middle from the 1 yard line. He puts it in a spot where only the receiver can get to it. 6 points.2:33Under heavy pressure, Mariota is running to his right and guns a pass down the sidelines to hit his receiver. A low pass that will either get caught or go incomplete. Smart ball placement.2:39**I really like this play. A play action pass and the RB whiffs on a block. Mariota steps to his right and begins climbing the pocket. Watch his head because he's already moved to his second read. He moves onto his third read with a hitch forward, then ducks outside the pocket as the DE in front of him breaks free. A quick hand signal back to his first read and a moment later he is reset and throwing. He keeps his head up and his eyes downfield the entire time. He never loses his posture and is able to set and release with a quick step of his feet. The jump throw screams down to hit the receiver perfectly between two defenders. 1st down at the 7 yard line. 2:48**Another really good play. A five step drop. He hitches three times, standing tall as a DE sprints into him. The ball is nearly perfectly placed into the hands of his receiver over the top of two defenders (it's overthrown just slightly). 6 points.3:33Mariota is running to his right on what looks to be a broken play. A spy defender comes up. Mariota gives a quick hand signal, ducks as if he is going to run in order to juke the spy, then lasers in a throw over his head to complete a pass.3:56Play action pass. Two defenders come through unblocked and Mariota ducks underneath them, gets out to his right and finds a passing lane. The ball zooms in between 3 defenders to hit his reciver inside the 10.Hate on him if you want to, but I see a guy making NFL type throws and decisions. Is he perfect yet? Nope. But these plays show me that the kid absolutely 100% has the ability to play in the NFL.
