Stanford vs. Oregon: Best Potential Landing Spots for Top 2014 Draft Prospects

If you're an impassioned NFL fan, you are already well aware that Thursday night means football.

If you're not a follower of the Washington Redskins or Minnesota Vikings, however, you may have decided to spend this particular Thursday evening away from the television.

You shouldn't have.

While Thursday's NFL contest didn't come with a lot of league-wide implications, the evening provided one of the most intriguing collegiate matchups of the season.

No. 5 Stanford hosted No. 3 Oregon in a game that not only featured two of the best teams in college football but two teams littered with future NFL talent.

Will one of the stars of Thursday's collegiate showcase wind up on your favorite NFL team in 2014?

Read on as we take a look at the best fit for some of the biggest draft-eligible standouts from the Oregon-Stanford showdown.

Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota

Mariota did not enter this season amid the type of fanfare heaped upon Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater. However, there is a good chance that he finishes the season as the most-coveted quarterback prospect eligible for the 2014 draft.

Mobile, accurate, decisive and dynamic, Mariota has all the intangibles needed to succeed out of the gate for an NFL franchise.

At 6'4" and 211 pounds, he also has the size that NFL team builders covet in a potential franchise quarterback.

Expect Mariota to be one of the first players off the board next spring, which means he is probably going to one of the league's struggling teams.

Of the teams that will realistically be in position to call Mariota's name on draft day, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appear to be the best fit for the Oregon star.

While Tampa has struggled mightily this season, the team has the potential for a quick turnaround with the right pieces in place.

From cornerback Darrelle Revis to wideout Vincent Jackson, the Buccaneers roster is loaded with talent that belies the team's 0-8 record.

Head coach Greg Schiano is most likely out after this season, and his replacement will undoubtedly move quickly to bring in his own choice at quarterback.

History has provided plenty of examples of how a competent new head coach and a steady quarterback can quickly change the fortunes of a franchise. (Go ahead and think Kansas City, if you must.)

The Buccaneers appear to be a team better-suited to to provide Mariota with early success than a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Minnesota Vikings. Other struggling teams, like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, already have their quarterbacks.

Stanford Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Trent Murphy

Murphy is one of those rare collegiate pass-rush specialists who seems to excel from any position on the field.

According to sports-reference.com, Murphy entered Thursday's game with 27 career sacks and 42.5 tackles for a loss, which shows his ability to make game-changing plays.

His ability to make plays from both the defensive end and linebacker position is why he is likely to garner plenty of attention from almost every NFL team, regardless of their defensive scheme.

Murphy is currently projected as a late first- or early second-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com, which means he could be fair game for contending and struggling teams alike.

Because of his ability to perform in multiple defensive fronts, expect Murphy to land with a team that places value on versatility, like the New England Patriots.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick loves players who can play multiple positions. 

At 6'6" and 261 pounds, Murphy has the potential to harass quarterbacks and thump ball-carriers with force at the pro level. This makes him a solid fit for New England's multi-look defense, which has seen a resurgence this season.

New England, currently ranked third in the NFL with 29 sacks, doesn't exactly have a pressing need for a pass-rush specialist. However, Belichick has never been known as a coach who drafts for need.

Stanford Guard David Yankey

The 6'5", 314-pound junior Yankey is one of the most dominant offensive linemen in all of college football and one of the reasons the Cardinal came into Thursday averaging 196.4 yards rushing per game.

In fact, Yankey is the top-rated guard eligible for the 2014 draft, according to NFLDraftScout.com. This means that Yankey is unlikely to fall out of the first round.

Fans may find it difficult to get excited about the selection. However, Yankey projects as a nice fit for the St. Louis Rams, assuming the team doesn't choose to take a quarterback early in the draft.

Rookie running back Zac Stacy has shown promise early this season, and a talented guard like Yankey could help him emerge as one of the better backs in the league.

Bleacher Report's own Curt Popejoy has the Rams selecting Baylor guard Cyril Richardson in his latest mock draft.

However, I feel that Yankey is actually a better fit here due to his experience in Stanford's run-heavy offense.

This, of course, hinges on the Rams' decision on whether or not Sam Bradford is still their franchise quarterback. Bradford is under contract through 2015, but that doesn't necessarily mean his future is certain.

Oregon Running Back De'Anthony Thomas

Thomas is listed as a running back, but he does much more than run the football.

While the 5'9", 176-pound offensive weapon has missed multiple games this season with an ankle injury, he came into Thursday's game with 369 yards rushing (7.1 yards-per-carry average), 75 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.

In 2012, he produced 701 yards rushing, 445 yards receiving and 16 total touchdowns.

While Thomas may have a difficult time finding a permanent position in the NFL, he shouldn't have much trouble finding a home. Due in part to his ankle injury, Thomas is currently projected as a third-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com. However, he could easily go earlier to a team that knows how to use a player of his caliber.

For a pro comparison, look no further than Kansas City Chiefs running back/receiver Dexter McCluster. McCluster has very similar size (5'8", 170 pounds), quickness and versatility and has carved out a respectable role in Kansas City.

This is why the Chiefs could be a great fit for Thomas, if the junior decides to turn pro after the 2013 season.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has found success with smaller offensive weapons in the past (think DeSean Jackson) and will likely be looking to add firepower to his 25th ranked offense (317.3 yards per game).

While he might not walk into the biggest role in Kansas city, Thomas projects nicely as a future running mate with or potential replacement for McCluster, who will be a free agent after this season.