Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston to throw at NFL Combine

By Cory Buck | Feb 18, 2015

Dec 27, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (L) and Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (R) pose for a photo with Mickey Mouse (C) at Disney California Adventure. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL draft prospects Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston will each throw at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Despite a history that suggests top NFL quarterback prospects Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston would be wise to avoid working out at the NFL Draft Combine, it appears both players will head out to Indianapolis to show off their respective physical talents. With both players vying to be considered the top quarterback prospect in the draft, this could be an unconventional year in which each does everything he can to stand out.

More from Miscellaneous

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times writes, “But late Tuesday night, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that Mariota had informed teams he would be throwing in Indianapolis — skill drills for quarterbacks, receivers and running backs are Saturday — and then shortly after, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Winston was planning to throw as well.”

Normally, prospective quarterbacks — especially those with a preliminary first-round grade — shy from the Combine because they have more to lose than they do to gain. They prefer to keep workouts in-house and at preferred locations where conditions are more to their liking. However, this year is different as there isn’t one clear cut quarterback who stands above the rest. Instead, there are two, and neither is seen as a slam dunk selection for the top overall pick.

So it is that the eyes of Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are fixed squarely on the draft and all news leading up to its commencement. The Bucs hold the first overall pick and will have their choice of either quarterbacks or one of a plethora of other top prospects. Without a bona fide top prospect at quarterback, the team could opt to pass on Mariota and Winston and fortify another position instead.

But these two quarterbacks, both of whom played in the College Football Playoff this past January, want to have a say in where they end up this May, which is why we’re seeing more of them than we have from past quarterbacks who have received an initial first-round grade. Comfort be damned, Mariota and Winston want to be drafted high and they’ll do whatever it takes to get selected first overall.

The NFL Combine runs from February 17-23. Quarterbacks will be on display on Saturday, February 21, and you can catch all the action on the NFL Network. From there, we can have a better idea of which quarterback is taking the early pole position for the coveted first overall selection in the NFL draft this May.

More from FanSided