Oregon vs. Florida State: Top NFL Prospects to Watch for in Rose Bowl 2015

The Rose Bowl features some of the top talent from around the country, including the best quarterback prospects for the 2015 NFL draft. But even with the two signal-callers facing off, expect some defensive players to steal the show.

On one side, Marcus Mariota will look to prove he's the No. 1 pick as he leads Oregon in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston hopes to overtake Mariota en route to a second straight national championship game appearance.

Eddie Goldman and P.J. Williams will wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball for Florida State. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is out for the Ducks with a knee injury, which leaves the two Seminoles prospects plenty of spotlight to shine.

Here's a look at each player and a breakdown of their potential heading into the Rose Bowl.

Marcus Mariota

What's not to like about Mariota? The junior quarterback has been nearly flawless all season with 52 total touchdowns and just two interceptions.

His play was also good enough to earn him the Heisman Trophy a year after Winston took the award. A potential No. 1 selection when the draft eventually rolls around, Mariota has shown flashes of brilliance in both the passing and running game.

Along with his physical traits, Mariota continues to impress with his ongoing growth as a quarterback. Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost spoke about his offensive leader, via Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports:

Going against an athletic defense that has several NFL prospects of its own, Mariota has a chance to show off his potential yet again. Currently a virtual lock as a top-10 pick going in, expect Mariota to come away with even more buzz following the Rose Bowl.

Jameis Winston

The Heisman has been a gift and a curse recently for quarterbacks. Playing under the pressure it brings has clearly taken its toll on Winston this season, but he continues to find ways to win in Tallahassee.

One reason for his success with FSU is his resilience and confidence in his own ability. That was no more evident than when he spoke about throwing the ball against Richard Sherman leading up to the Rose Bowl, via Aaron J. Fentress of Comcast SportsNet:

Even with his draft stock still high, Winston needs a huge game against Oregon to show he's a serious contender to be the top quarterback taken. His 17 interceptions this year have raised some questions about his decision-making, but Winston remains one of the best prospects in the country.

Stepping up yet again on the big stage? That would solidify his status near the top heading into the 2015 draft.

FSU Defensive Stars

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Pairing these two together seems fitting after both helped contribute to the Florida State defense. While the Seminoles weren't quite as effective as their 2013 campaign, both Goldman and Williams are worthy of being first-round picks.

Williams has 10 passes defended and one interception this season as a junior. He was also named the Defensive MVP during last year's national championship game, so he knows all about stepping up on the big stage.

Along with Williams, Goldman's impact has been felt up front with four sacks and great play against the run. The huge defensive tackle also appears to be healthy heading into New Year's Day, via Safid Deen of the Tallahassee Democrat:

Having both players on defense, the Noles have a chance to test Mariota throughout the afternoon. During the process, both Williams and Goldman can show off their potential in front of a national audience in one of the biggest games of the year.

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