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There is little value to the 40-yard dash for quarterbacks at the NFL combine, but don't tell that to Marcus Mariota. On Saturday, Mariota clocked the fastest 40-yard dash time among all quarterbacks at 4.52 seconds, the fastest by a quarterback since Robert Griffin III ran it in 4.41 seconds back in 2012.
For comparison purposes, Jameis Winston was clocked at 4.97 seconds, 10th among quarterbacks. Below is a nifty Vine that combines both Winston and Mariota into one footrace, with Mariota beating Winston to the line by a solid five yards.
Mariota had a pretty successful day throwing the ball as well, only missing a few attempts. Obviously, the biggest question mark surrounding the former Oregon quarterback is how he will be able to adjust to a pro style offense. Unless Chip Kelly pulls off the trade of the century to land his former quarterback, it is likely that Mariota will need to adjust his style of play, primarily lining up under center and throwing more from the pocket.
He's also been working with Kevin O'Connell on things as simple as calling out plays in the huddle, something Mariota hasn't had to do since high school. In the NFL, Mariota will need to adjust to having a coach in his ear during games and relaying plays to the huddle. It took some time for Mariota to become more vocal at Oregon, and he'll need to continue that growth at the next level.
For what its worth, O'Connell is taking over as the quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns, leading to speculation the Browns will try and make a move for Mariota, since it doesn't appear Johnny Manziel is the quarterback of the future over there.
Below are both Mariota's measurements and the results of his drills and how he fared compared to other quarterbacks. In all three drills, Mariota's results were among the top four quarterbacks at the combine.
Measurement/Drill | Result |
Height | 6'4'' |
Weight | 222 lbs. |
Arm Length | 32" |
Hands | 9 7/8'' |
40-Yard Dash | 4.52 (1) |
Vertical Jump | 36" (T3) |
Broad Jump | 10'1" (T3) |
Mariota will find out his fate at the 2015 NFL Draft, which runs April 30-May 2 in Chicago. Oregon's pro day will take place in Eugene on March 12.