The complaints about Marist were not about ability, and certainly not about athleticism. He did make many plays that others just could not do. He was criticized for too often for making the wrong read, being so ineffective on blitzes or just generally being out of position. He was the poster boy for those that wanted the younger players to play. And, it did seem that he was given more slack by the coaches because of his freakish athletic ability.
He had his best year, though, this past season. The Cowboys have often made reach picks based upon potential, so his selection was surprising but not that shocking.