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Marcus Mariota visiting with Buccaneers on Tuesday

By Evan Massey

Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during pre-game warmups before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during pre-game warmups before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and are scheduled to visit with Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota on Tuesday.

Marcus Mariota is one of the two quarterbacks that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering taking with the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he has a lot of work to do to convince them to take him. Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has appeared to be their guy over the past few weeks, but there are still quite a few concerns surrounding him off-the-field.

Tampa Bay is doing everything they can to get to know both players and figure out which quarterback fits what they’re looking for better. Mariota is scheduled to visit with the Buccaneers on Tuesday, according to reports.

There is no denying the numbers that Mariota put up in college at Oregon, and he doesn’t have the character issues that are a concern with Winston. He ended up winning the Heisman Trophy this past year and led them to the National Championship game where they ended up falling to the Ohio State Buckeyes. That being said, he took much better care of the football and showed even more leadership throughout the year than Winston.

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During his three-year career with the Ducks, Mariota ended up throwing for 10,796 yards, 105 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions.

His ability to take care of the football like he did in college is extremely impressive. Throwing just 14 interceptions in three seasons is a huge feat, and it is just another reason that many believe the Buccaneers should take Mariota over Winston.

One of the most important characteristics for a quarterback to have in the NFL is strong decision-making. Defenses get faster and more athletic at the NFL level, and ill-advised passes end up being interceptions rather than incomplete passes. That is going to be an area that Winston could struggle, while Mariota appears to be superior.

At 6’4″ and 219 pounds, Mariota is the ideal size for an NFL quarterback as well. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he has great accuracy and a strong enough arm. There are ways for him to improve that area of his game, but his arm is NFL ready.

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