Winston is touted more because he's been the best QB in the country at every level he's played at, not because of the combine. He's played in a pro style offense where he's had to actually read defenses, unlike Mariora who was protected by a system. It's a lot easier to throw picks when you are counted on to make the reads. Maybe Mariota can do that, but no one knows yet.
Edit: Mike Ditka is also the idiot that set the Saints back years with the Ricky Williams trade.