*While Marcus Mariota has all of the physical tools to be an effective dual-threat quarterback at the next level, questions surround his ability to command a pro-style offense. At Oregon's pro day, Mariota showed scouts what he can do from under center in a 65-throw session. *
After his impressive performance in some of the individual drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota elected to just showcase his arm during the school's 2015 pro day this week.
Here's a look at the University of Oregon's 2015 Pro Day that took place in Eugene, Ore.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner threw 65 passes, completing 58 of them. Of his seven incompletions, most were on deep balls.
"I thought it went OK," Mariota told the media after his throwing session. "You know, I missed some throws but for the most part, it was fun to get out there again with those guys and just be able to throw and do stuff we haven't been able to do in the past month and a half."
He said the sentiment of being back at Oregon may have made him a little bit too wired up at times, though.
"I think at the combine I threw better," he said. "I think today, a lot of emotion being back in Eugene (Ore.) and stuff like that has caused maybe some nervousness a little bit, but at the same time I thought it went well both days."
Along with Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, Mariota has been involved in discussions as to who is the best quarterback prospect in this year's draft class.
While Mariota's proved his versatility during three seasons as the Ducks' starting quarterback, accumulating more than 13,000 yards of offense, there have been questions about his ability to transition into an NFL-style offense.
For the majority of his college career, he was managing the offense from the shotgun formation.
The 6-foot-4, 222 pound Mariota, however, took some snaps from under center Thursday, admitting that it was "a little bit different."
"It's tough, but I did it when I was a kid," he said. "So it's not something that is extremely new to me. But again, it's fun to be in that group again, call the play and be able to do that."
While many have pegged Winston as the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick during next month's draft, predictions for Mariota's future have varied.
The Titans, who hold the No. 2 pick, have yet to determine whether second-year LSU product Zach Mettenberger is capable of handling starting duties, while rumors about the Eagles' interest in Mariota are still persistent despite recently acquiring Sam Bradford in a trade with the St. Louis Rams.
Regardless of when his name is called at the draft, Mariota is at the very least happy to be done with workout sessions.
"This process is something that is controlled by the people, so all you can really do is put yourself out there, show what you can do and see where you end up," he said.
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-- Alabama Stars Participate In 2015 Pro Day
-- Leonard Williams Confident Following Pro Day
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