NFL Draft: Breaking down the differences between Winston and Mariota

Leadership

This is a bit of a nebulous category, and falls under the “feel” umbrella, but it is still incredibly important. While their playing styles are certainly different, Mariota and Winston are also completely different in how they lead. Winston is the guy who commands the attention of everyone in the room, while Mariota is the lead by example type. Both methods can be effective, but one is better suited for the NFL.

Winston is the definition of an alpha male. He is always the center of attention and commands the respect of his teammates not only because of how vocal he is, but also because he exudes confidence in everything that he does. Like him or not, there is no doubt Winston has the magnetism of a star. He jokes around with his teammates in the locker room and off the field, but then gets the job done on it.

Players can’t help but like being around that kind of guy and they naturally gravitate towards leaders with that personality.

Mariota is a quiet kid, but that doesn’t mean he is any less of a leader. He goes about his business and works as hard as anyone, but isn’t super vocal and won’t go out of his way to call teammates out. He’s a really competitive guy, but that drive is mostly internalized and forces him to work harder to improve himself. Mariota leads by example and is immensely respected by all of his former teammates. I’ve tried to get a few of them to say a bad word about him and have failed up to this point.

Both Winston and Mariota are very good leaders and should be fine as field generals for their respective teams at the next level. But in the NFL alpha dogs tend to win over locker rooms more quickly than quiet, hard-working types. I have to give Winston the nod here because I think his personality will fit in perfectly at the next level.

Advantage: Winston

Next: Character