Tennessee Titans Prepping For Marcus Mariota Pursuit?
By Erik Lambert
Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during pre-game warmups before the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
At 2-5 it looks like the Tennessee Titans are done for 2014. Recent moves may also suggest they have their eyes fixed on Marcus Mariota next year.
Zach Mettenberger starting shows Ken Whisenhunt wants to evaluate
The reason that may be true is the decision by head coach Ken Whisenhunt to bench veteran backup Charlie Whitehurst in favor of rookie Zach Mettenberger. Tennessee invested a 6th round pick in the former LSU product but insisted they had high hopes he could become a starter in the NFL. He certainly has the look. Mettenberger is 6’5″ and according to scouting reports boasted one of the strongest arms in his draft class. The physical talent is there. What Whisenhunt needs to find out is if the mental and intangible things are there as well. By letting the rookie start the final nine games, it will give the coaching staff enough game tape to figure out whether Mettenberger will be their guy moving forward or if they should begins making plans for finding a franchise quarterback next April in the draft.
Top five pick likely needed in 2015 NFL draft to get Mariota
Based on current projections, there is little doubt that the quarterback every team will want in the 2015 NFL draft is Oregon junior Marcus Mariota. He has shown every facet required of a pro passer from the strong arm to the size (6’4″), mobility and command of the huddle. Scouts believe he certainly has the level head and intelligence to run any style of offense. It’s just a question of can he speed up his internal clock like every college player has to.
Either way it’s apparent that Mariota, barring a major setback, will go early in the 1st round, most likely in the top five picks since those are typically the teams that don’t have a quarterback. The Tennessee Titans, at 2-5, are projected to hold the #5 pick as of Week 8. That puts them within definite striking distance of landing Mariota. So whether or not they actively pursue him will depend on their final nine games, and what they get out of Zach Mettenberger.