Not really. Back then the formula was clear, college QB's weren't ready for the NFL and they were supposed to sit for 3 years. Both the #1 overall pick, John Elway, and the late first round pick, Dan Marino played as rookies. Elway was thrown in from the beginning, and he crashed and burned. Horrible fiasco of a rookie year, and even his coach, Dan Reeves, admitted it was a mistake to throw him in so early. Dan Marino came in as a rookie after a few games and took over and dominated. It was about as quick of a transition as any QB was capable of doing back then. At no point was Marino beaten out by David Woodley. Marino was obviously better from day 1, but the kid's head was spinning for a few games as he tried to adjust to the huge step up in complexity of the NFL QB position.
Today the college game is far more sophisticated. QB's and WR's no longer need 3 years to adjust--they're ready right away in many instances. The fact Marino didn't start in game 1 of his rookie season isn't really the same thing as being beaten out. In fact, David Woodley was so depressed by how great Marino was, Woodley never really developed after that. Once his legs ceased to give him a big advantage, he faded away. Dan Marino had the great tools coupled with superior eyesight, superior release, superior reading of defenses, excellent escapability, phenomenal leadership and a burning will to win. Players who played with and against him were in awe, even moreso than the fans who watched him.
