I heard on Dan Patrick that Mariota asked for a draft grade. I thought he was coming back next season for sure.... is this not a sure thing?
This has been known since after civil war. The draft evaluation helps with what scouts are noticing and what he needs to work on.
My take: Requesting a draft grade certainly does not mean he is leaving. Nor, does it guarantee he won't change his mind if he's graded as a top pick. Things can change...just like we learned with Chip when he said he would stay at Oregon. I believe MM will be back next year. It's common for college players to request a grade, then return to school.
Get in the way of what? I hadn't heard about MM asking for a draft grade until Dan Patrick mentioned it. I was merely asking what it meant.
The lesson here: don't ask questions. You know, because, like, silly things like facts get in the way of things.... ...and no one has a clue what that golden 'slam' has to do with anything. Some serious emotional and developmental issues, I would guess.
From what I have read, and I'm no expert but rely on sports media just like everyone else (although once in a while am able to get some info from some deep pocketed donors, however, Chip changed the MB good old boys club), it is very common for players with a professional future to request a grade. It is in no way an obligation. For humble and realistic players like MM, I imagine it as a scorecard for development. A recent SI article stated it is rather common for players to request a grade, then return for another year of college. There is no guarantee he will come back to UO if he is given a high grade and there is reason to think he won't keep his word. Anything can happen (as proven with the way Chip departed). Someone will love to correct me if I am wrong (it helps their ego) but I believe MM requested his grade days after the Civil War and then it was several weeks later he declared his intent to return to Oregon. It seems as if Grasu and MM made this announcement at the same time, leading me to believe they had come to this agreement together and to me, that means they are both more likely to return to Oregon because they reach this decision with a close friend and gave their word to a close friend. Just my take.
Hmm I wonder how their grades work? Are multiple top players given the best grade, or are players ranked? If he gets an A+ and has a chance of being top3 is there any way he reconsiders? I was surprised he announced he was staying, seems very financially reckless if he gets hurt again or underperforms.
If he went into the combine at less than 100% physically, his stock would drop and he would be leaving money on the table. His decision to come back suggests to me that he needs more time to rehab the knee.
