Marcus Mariota: 5 reasons the Buccaneers should select QB

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Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms up prior to the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

What five reasons can be given to show that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should select Marcus Mariota ahead of Jameis Winston with the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft?

There are two options for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who currently hold the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. One option is Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, while their other possibility is Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

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At this point in time, all signs have been point to the Buccaneers taking Winston with the first pick. He has been the lead candidate for the majority of the year, but that could and should change. Mariota is a much better and safer option than Winston, and there are quite a few different ways to prove that.

Tampa Bay cannot afford to mess this selection up, and it will dictate the long-term future of their franchise.

Both quarterbacks have the type of potential that it will take to become legitimate franchise leaders. There are still quite a few question marks surrounding both prospects, but the Buccaneers have to choose the player that gives them the best chance to succeed.

During his two-year career with the Seminoles, Winston ended up throwing for 7,964 yards, 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Mariota ended up throwing for 10,796 yards, 105 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his three years at Oregon. They are very comparable quarterbacks in quite a few areas, but there are still plenty of ways to prove that Mariota should be the Buccaneers’ guy.

What five reasons can be given to prove that the Buccaneers should take Mariota over Winston with the first overall pick this year?

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