Todd McShay, senior NFL draft analyst 9y

Top 32 NFL prospects for 2015

NFL, College Football

We've now completed the first month of the college football season, and the prospect at the top of our draft board is the same as when it began: Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. He certainly hasn't been perfect, but the mental toughness he's showed so far this season has been impressive, and he continues to display the physical tools that make him such a high-upside prospect.

Which players are making moves either up or down our board based on their play so far? Let's take a look -- here is our latest ranking of the Top 32 prospects for the 2015 NFL draft.

(Notes: Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk, and the scouting write-ups will stay the same for each ranking update except in cases in which new material is needed.)


1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon Ducks (Grade: 95)*
6-foot-4, 224 pounds

Mariota is a dynamic athlete who puts stress on a defense with his mobility both as a runner and a thrower. He has above-average elusiveness and rare straight-line speed, reminiscent of Colin Kaepernick with his long stride. Mariota has a quick, compact, over-the-shoulder release with well-above-average arm strength, so he can make all the NFL throws. While he needs to become more consistently accurate, and I want to see him show continued progress with his footwork and balance within the pocket, I thought he played really well in the Ducks' big win over Michigan State; he showed good mental toughness in bouncing back from early mistakes. He has outstanding intangibles and a very good mental makeup. He and the Ducks host Arizona on Thursday (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

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