NFL Draft: Breaking down the differences between Winston and Mariota

Arm Strength

Both guys have the ability to make every throw necessary to be an NFL quarterback. Winston has a long, looping delivery that will likely have to get shortened by whichever team drafts him. Meanwhile, Mariota has a very nice, compact delivery. Mariota and Winston both measured in at around 6-foot-4 at the NFL Combine and they both use that height to their advantage when throwing, as they have nice, high releases that help avoid deflections at the line.

Getting down to brass tacks, Winston has the better arm. Once he finds a target, he drives the ball towards his intended receiver. He can get the ball outside of the hashmarks in a hurry and has enough arm to hit deep outs in stride. He does tend to miss high from time to time, which is typically caused by not following through enough on his release. That is an issue that can be sorted out over time.

In this video from the combine, you can see how easily Winston can create velocity on his throws. While he doesn’t have a cannon, the 21-year-old has more than enough arm strength.

Mariota doesn’t have Winston’s arm, but that doesn’t mean he’s lacking in that area.

His mechanics are solid and repeatable and he puts good zip on short and intermediate routes. His balls don’t flutter as they get farther away, but they do occasionally slow down. He can make throws over the top of defenses, but that’s not his forte. He is best served picking teams apart underneath. But at the combine (as seen here), he showed that he can make every throw he will be asked to in the NFL.

Advantage: Winston

Next: Accuracy