NFL Trade Machine: Marcus Mariota One Of Very Few Options

The word seems to be growing that the quarterback options for the 2015 draft will be limited at best.  Only Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota has the look of a top 5 pick and even that doesn’t have a lot of scouts sold on him.  They feel his running ability and squeaky clean image aren’t enough to overcome his questionable upside as a pocket passer given his shaky accuracy when throwing into tight windows.

The problem is teams don’t have much in the way of alternatives.  Free agency won’t feature a hot bed of talent with names like Brian Hoyer, Mark Sanchez and Ryan Mallett.  The NFL trade landscape may have some options but the reality is Mariota is the best option available.  His physical skill set is on par with Colin Kaepernick and he has a more proven track record both as a leader and a winner.  That is why teams may do anything possible to move up the board and grab him.  Here are some favorites and sleepers who could make that deal.

New York Jets

This is an obvious choice.  The New York Jets missed badly when they drafted Geno Smith and now they have to go back to the drawing board.  Sitting at 4th overall they are in great position to make a move up for Mariota, depending on if Tampa Bay isn’t sold on him.  Much will depend on who they put in charge of the team as head coach after Rex Ryan is fired.

Chicago Bears

Regardless of what has happened over the past week, the situation remains unchanged with Jay Cutler.  The Chicago Bears are not happy with the return on their investment in the quarterback.  Even he knows his time could be short unless he improves fast.  The Bears may be enticed to go after Mariota if a situation presents itself.  They are expected to pick in the top 10 so it’s not impossible.

St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford may have another shot after all.  At least that is the prevailing rumor going on around the St. Louis Rams.  Given where they sit in the current draft order and the sad state of their quarterback position, that’s understandable.  Still, this team is a quarterback away from not just making the playoffs but competing for a title.  Maybe in the next few months they’ll see enough from Mariota to make the move to get him.

Philadelphia Eagles

The connection is impossible to ignore.  Marcus Mariota was recruited to play for Oregon by Chip Kelly, who is now head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  The Eagles have had their share of problems at quarterback so the idea of bringing in somebody Kelly personally wanted in college makes sense.  Naturally the big obstacle will be moving up to get him, which based on how far down the board the Eagles are would take a king’s ransom.