Marcus Mariota 2015 NFL Draft Stock: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Declares: Headed to Tampa Bay Buccaneers With First Overall Pick?

Oregon Ducks quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 2015 NFL Draft prospect Marcus Mariota has announced his intention to leave college for the NFL. After losing the College Football National Championship Game 42-20 to the Ohio State Buckeyes, Mariota is expected to go first overall in the draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ahead of FSU quarterback Jameis Winston. He thanked his coaches, and Oregon coach Mark Helfrich paid tribute to the Hawaiian native, saying it was an honor to coach him.

Marcus Mariota releases a statement about his decision to turn pro. pic.twitter.com/B6jd5fL0xQ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 14, 2015

As ESPN report, Mariota released a statement today declaring for the NFL draft. "After meeting with my family I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility and apply for the 2015 NFL Draft," said Mariota.

"My four years at the University of Oregon have been an awesome experience. I cannot thank Coach Kelly, Coach Helfrich, Coach Frost, the rest of the Oregon coaches and the support staff enough for molding me as a person, player and student-athlete."

"The support I received from the University, the city of Eugene and Duck fans has been tremendous. I will always remember the great times and support I received. Once a Duck always a Duck. I will miss being with my teammates. Being a part of this team was something special that I will always treasure."

His coach Mark Helfrich said in a statement: "It's been an honor to watch Marcus develop over the last four years, and I'm excited to see what his future holds."

"He's given this program everything we could have asked, and he'll be the standard by which others are judged. Mahalo."

Marcus Mariota declares for NFL draft https://t.co/kdyXnII52U #NFL

— Will Paccione (@VegasWill) January 14, 2015

As USA Today say, "the 6-4 junior from Honolulu, Hawaii threw for 5,224 yards and 58 touchdowns this season and led Oregon to the national title game, where the Ducks lost to Ohio State."

Mariota is ranked No. 1 on ESPN Insider and Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr's 2015 Big Board. Says Kiper Jr, "his ability to throw on the run or simply take off and pick up chunks of yardage is a major plus. Mariota is no lock to be a star. But he's an outstanding prospect."

Marcus Mariota projects as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, according to Todd McShay. pic.twitter.com/l3fbRcx7sd

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 14, 2015

Fellow ESPN Draft Analyst Todd McShay has him going first overall in his latest 2015 Mock Draft, saying "Mariota is a dynamic athlete with excellent top-end speed. He is elite at throwing on the run. He has a quick and compact over-the-shoulder release, and he possesses excellent intangibles."

It's a sentiment echoed by Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke, who also has Mariota going No. 1 overall, saying "He remains the No. 1 pick here because of the near-complete package of pure talent coupled with his advancements as a passer and a leader."  

Marcus Mariota's remarkable Oregon career: • 10,796 Pass yds, 105 TD, 16 Int • 31 Rush TD • 36-5 record • Heisman pic.twitter.com/rlniTwTts1

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 14, 2015

Check out the fantastic Marcus Mariota tribute video from Oregon Video below: