I already have an extensive NFL Draft Rumors page, but because the Marcus Mariota trade speculation is the most prominent story leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, I thought that it deserved its own section.
I’m going to cover which teams are the favorites to move up for Mariota, list all of the Mariota trade rumors, and compile brief mock drafts for each trade scenario.
Marcus Mariota Trade Power Rankings:
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Tennessee Titans
April 30 update: Chris Mortensen said that the Eagles trading up is unlikely because the Titans are asking for too much. The Titans love Mariota and won’t give him up without obtaining a king’s ransom. Charlie Campbell also reported that the Titans are locked into Mariota, barring a blockbuster deal.
April 27 update: Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean tweeted that he believes that Marcus Mariota is the favorite to be the second-overall pick to the Titans. He also noted that a trade with the Chargers is possible. Other reporters have said that San Diego has had no discussions about moving Philip Rivers, but that could easily be smoke.
Of course, the Titans could just take Mariota themselves. With everyone’s jobs on the line – another poor season will spell the end for many in the front office – Tennessee would be crazy to head into the 2015 season with Zach Mettenberger as its starting quarterback. Mettenberger has the physical skill set, but the mental part of his game isn’t there yet. He also has had a major problem staying healthy. The Titans simply can’t count on him.
There were reports earlier in the offseason about the Titans having no interest in a quarterback at No. 2 overall, but I’ve heard otherwise; I’ve kept Mariota at No. 2 in my 2015 NFL Mock Draft this entire time for a reason. Albert Breer echoed this, reporting Wednesday, “I don’t think the Titans are sold on Zach Mettenberger and I think they want to come away with a QB in the draft.”
If Tennessee doesn’t get a trade offer it likes, the front office will have no reservations about just simply selecting Mariota to be its quarterback of the future.
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Philadelphia Eagles
April 29 update: As mentioned earlier, Sal Paolantonio said Wednesday afternoon that the Chargers and Eagles were the two teams looking to trade up for Marcus Mariota. I’ve moved up the Eagles to the No. 1 spot on this list, as it sounds like Chip Kelly is pushing for a deal to get done.
April 25 update: There’s a projected three-team trade, as you can see in the rumors below. It would involve moving Sam Bradford to the Browns, allowing the Eagles to deal the Nos. 19 and 20 selections to Tennessee, as well as several players, for the second-overall choice.
The Eagles traded for Sam Bradford. They re-signed Mark Sanchez. They recently added Tim Tebow. How can they possibly acquire yet another quarterback?
Perhaps this was Chip Kelly’s plan all along. It’s no secret that Kelly covets his former signal-caller. It’s possible that he could use Bradford in conjunction with the 20th pick and other players on the trade block (Evan Mathis, Mychal Kendricks) to move up to No. 2. The Eagles could even use the Browns as a third trading partner, as reported by Tony Pauline.
Upon trading for Bradford, Kelly said that he will not mortgage the future for Mariota. This could’ve been smoke, and it could be argued that he’s not mortgaging anything; I think he’s crazy to trade the best guard in the NFL, but if Kelly doesn’t envision Mathis as part of his future, then he’s not giving up much in his mind. And besides, Bradford is a poor fit for Kelly’s offense. The Eagles have not negotiated any sort of long-term extension with the former Ram signal-caller, so that’s a sign that they are willing to deal him.
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New York Jets
April 30: Jim Wyatt reported that the Jets and Rams have had discussions about moving up to No. 2.
The Jets will reportedly try to move up – but only in the unlikely event that Jameis Winston is available. Much like the Buccaneers, they prefer Winston over Mariota. We’ve spoken to teams that believe Mariota is the superior signal-caller, so there is definitely a split opinion around the league regarding these two quarterbacks.
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St. Louis Rams
April 30: Jim Wyatt reported that the Jets and Rams have had discussions about moving up to No. 2.
Charlie Campbell reported back in January that the Titans were one of the teams that had interest in Nick Foles. Perhaps like the Eagles with Sam Bradford, St. Louis could use Foles to move up to No. 2. However, I haven’t heard anything about the Rams plotting a trade for Mariota, and no one else has reported anything either.
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Cleveland Browns
April 30 update: Adam Schefter is reporting that the Browns won’t be trading up for Mariota.
April 29 update: Pat McManamon reported Wednesday afternoon that the Browns offered Nos. 12 and 19 to the Titans – and then per Paul Kuharsky, Tennessee denied it. I don’t get why the Titans would do that to ruin any leverage.
The Browns are currently the favorites to move up for Marcus Mariota. They have plenty of ammunition, which includes the 12th- and 19th-overall selections in the 2015 NFL Draft. Furthermore, Tony Pauline recently posted the following:
“I’m hearing the Cleveland Browns are the front runners and working hardest in the hopes of acquiring Marcus Mariota.”
Mike Pettine wouldn’t even deny that the team has interest in Mariota. It makes sense; Johnny Manziel was a colossal embarrassment, and Mariota appears to be the polar opposite of last year’s first-round pick. Hell will freeze over before Mariota is caught rolling $20s in bathrooms, and that has to delight the Browns, who are “90-percent” done with Manziel, per Chris Mortensen.
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San Diego Chargers
April 29 update: Jim Wyatt reported that the Titans won’t be able to get Philip Rivers, so the Chargers have to be dropped down this list.
April 25 update: I’ve moved the Chargers up to No. 1 on this list. It’s very close with both Cleveland and Philadelphia, but I think it’s significant that the Vegas odds of the Chargers picking Marcus Mariota went from +1500 to +250 recently. The same thing happened recently with Jim Harbaugh, where the odds of him going to Michigan shifted dramatically because someone had inside information and bet a lot on that prop.
It’s possible that Philip Rivers could intrigue the Titans more than two first-round selections. Rivers would be better for the 2015 season – in other words, he would probably allow everyone to keep their jobs – but he turns 34 in December. Then again, there’s no certainty that Tennessee will get anything out of the 12th and 19th picks. Rivers would make the Titans a legitimate playoff contender in the weak AFC.
The Chargers have denied that they’ve engaged in trade talks involving Rivers, but what else are they supposed to say? Their denial is absolute smoke. Rivers has no interest in playing in Los Angeles; he would rather return close to his home in Tennessee. Former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson echoed this, calling Rivers’ reluctance to go to Los Angeles “very valid.”
It’s pretty close between the Browns and Chargers. It’s worth noting that Tony Pauline reported Thursday morning that San Diego could use Cleveland in a three-way trade to move up for Mariota.
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Chicago Bears
There’s a big drop-off after the Titans, but the Bears and some other teams need to be mentioned. Chicago is effectively punting the 2015 season if it goes into it with Jay Cutler as its starting quarterback. I don’t know why Tennessee would possibly be interested in a heartless bum, but it would be a dream come true for the Bears if they could somehow deal Cutler and the seventh-overall pick for the ability to draft Mariota.
Marcus Mariota Rumors:
These are Marcus Mariota-related entries from my NFL Draft Rumors page:
4/30: “The Eagles and Bears are the two teams still in play to move up to No. 2.” – Sal Paolantonio, ESPN
4/30: “Continue to hear the Eagles making a serious bid for No. 2 spot. Can they convince the Titans to trade it?” – Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean
4/30: “Eagles don’t think they have enough ammunition. I’ve been told it’s an impossible situation.” – Sal Paolantonio
4/30: The Chargers have assured Philip Rivers that he’ll be on the team next year. – Chris Mortensen
4/30: “Tennessee is planning on staying at No. 2 and picking the Oregon quarterback.” – Adam Schefter
4/30: “Titans (-110) are once again the favorite to land Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. The Eagles have dropped from +140 to +175.” – Sports Insight
4/30: “According to my sources with the Titans, Tennessee is locked in on Marcus Mariota with the 2nd-overall pick.” – Charlie Campbell
4/30: “I don’t believe Philadelphia is getting Mariota.” – Chris Mortensen
4/30: “Eagles (+140) have leapfrogged the Titans (+150) as the favorite to land Marcus Mariota.” – Sports Insights
4/30: “Rams talks with Titans amount to ‘nothing meaningful.'” – Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
4/30: “I feel 95 percent certain that if the Titans stay at No. 2 they take the remaining quarterback.” – Paul Kuharsky
4/30: “How much do Titans want for the number 2 pick? So much that it makes teams involved think they just want to take Marcus Mariota and be done.” – Ian Rapoport
4/30: In addition to Browns and Eagles, I’ve heard the Jets (6th pick) and Rams (10th) have also been in discussions with Titans.” – Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean
4/30: The Browns are not expected to trade up for Marcus Mariota. – Adam Schefter
4/30: “You can bet the farm that Philip Rivers will be with the Chargers next year.” – Jim Trotter, ESPN
4/30: “The Titans, so far, haven’t heard the right fit to move the No. 2 pick.” – Sal Paolantonio
4/30: “Browns do not want to surrender their first-rounder in 2016 to land Marcus Mariota.” – Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
4/30: “It’s going to take a HUGEEEE value to pry [the Titans’ No. 2 pick] away.” – Jay Glazer
4/30: “If the Titans stay at No. 2, I think they take Marcus Mariota.” – Bob Holtzman, ESPN
4/30: “The Titans have been doing a lot of talking, but as of this point the chances are very good they will stay put and take Mariota.” – Dan Pompei, NFL writer
4/30: “Legitimate chance (‘chance,’ I say) that Tennessee will deal the number 2 pick. And Chip Kelly could be a factor.” – Peter King
4/30: “Nothing changed on this front since Monday: I do not believe the Chargers will trade Philip Rivers.” – Peter King
4/29: Philip Rivers to the Titans is unlikely, barring a “Grade-A smokescreen.” – Michael Gehlken, UT-San Diego
4/29: The Eagles are doing “all they can” to trade up for Marcus Mariota. – NFL Tabloid
4/29: “Titans have gotten calls from multiple teams inquiring about what it will take to trade for 2nd overall pick.” – Adam Schefter
4/29: “Those hoping the Titans trade for Chargers QB Philip Rivers (which I believe was Plan A), it doesn’t sound like that’s going to happen.” – Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean
4/29: “Titans options one day before the draft: 1. Draft a QB (Mariota, assuming TB takes Winston). 2. Trade the pick and get a haul from someone else.” – Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean
4/29: “Browns have not made an offer for No. 2.” – Paul Kuharsky, ESPN
4/29: The Browns have offered 2 first round picks for the Titans to take Marcus Mariota. – Pat McManamon, ESPN
4/29: “I don’t think Chip Kelly will take the risk to have Mariota slip to 3… He’s not going to call the Titans bluff.” – Sheil Kapadia, Philly Mag
4/29: There are two active teams negotiating with the Titans for No. 2: Chargers and Eagles – Sal Paolantonio, ESPN
4/28: “Eagles (2-1) the biggest volume in our Mariota draft market, but quite a few bets on the Browns in last 12 hours based off media reports.” – Sportsbook.com
4/28: “Two days until the draft. Is the Eagles-Mariota dream dead? No sir, don’t believe it is.” – Tim McManus, Philly Mag
4/28: The Jets would pass on Marcus Mariota if he dropped to No. 6. – Rich Cimini, ESPN
4/28: “At least two teams, possibly more, have approached NY Jets about trading for Muhammad Wilkerson.” – Adam Schefter
4/27: There’s a “decent chance” the Titans move down from No. 2. – Paul Kuharsy, ESPN
4/27: The Browns “covet” Marcus Mariota. – Ian Rapoport
4/27: “The San Diego Chargers have not had conversations with any team regarding a trade of QB Phillip Rivers.” – Alex Flanagan, NFL Network
4/27: “Titans top 3 scenarios 3 days before draft: 1. Trade for Rivers. 2. Pick Mariota/Winston. 3. Get haul and trade (and stick with Mettenberger). Most likely: 2.” – Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean
4/27: “Said it on Friday, my belief is the Titans are at a point where they’d feel good taking Mariota at 2. We’ll see if someone blows them away.” – Albert Breer
4/27: “If the Titans don’t get a good offer, I think they pick Mariota. Tennessee wants an offer; the Titans aren’t married to picking anyone at number two. I do not believe Tennessee has gotten a golden offer yet.” – Peter King
4/27: “I don’t think the Chargers will trade Philip Rivers.” – Peter King
4/26: “Rivers-for-Mariota buzz is more than merely smoke.” – Pete Schrager, FOX Sports
4/26: “I am still certain Winston and Mariota will go 1-2 in the NFL draft.” – Mark Dominik, ESPN
4/26: “You naturally think [Marcus Mariota] could make that transition (to under center).” – Ken Whisenhunt
4/26: “Talking to more and more people who believe the Philip Rivers trade rumors have legitimate legs.” – Alex Flanagan, NFL Network
4/25: “Likelihood now is Marcus Mariota goes 2nd overall. My feeling is Tennessee likes him more than most think. Very well could be a Titan.” – Albert Breer
4/25: The odds of the Chargers drafting Marcus Mariota have gone from +1500 to +250 in the past 24 hours.
4/24: One rumor, making its rounds in NFL personnel meetings, has the Eagles dealing Bradford to the Browns for the 19th overall pick. The Eagles would then send picks Nos. 19 and 20, along with Cox and Kendricks to the Tennessee Titans for the No. 2 pick Philly would use to select Mariota.” – Mark Eckel, NJ.com
4/23: The Chargers and Eagles are exploring the possibility of moving up for Marcus Mariota through Cleveland via a three-team trade. – Tony Pauline
4/23: “A Chargers team source said Thursday morning, one week before draft day, that San Diego has not discussed a Rivers trade ‘at all’ with Tennessee.” – Michael Gehlken, Union-Tribune
4/22: “I don’t think the Titans are sold on Zach Mettenberger and I think they want to come away with a QB in the draft.” – Albert Breer
4/22: “Count me in the camp that does consider (Eagles trading for Mariota) and option and a possibility … And I was not in that camp a month ago but I’ve come over to that side.” – Adam Schefter
4/22: “Uh, no.” – Chargers GM Tom Telesco on if San Diego discussed moving up to No. 2 overall for Marcus Mariota (per Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean).
4/22: The Titans are currently the Vegas favorites to draft Marcus Mariota at 7/5 odds.
4/22: The Titans asked for the Browns’ Nos. 12 and 19 picks, as well as their second-round pick to move up for Marcus Mariota, but Cleveland turned the offer down. – Tony Pauline
4/21: “I’m hearing the Cleveland Browns are the front runners and working hardest in the hopes of acquiring Marcus Mariota.” – Tony Pauline
4/16: It’s looking “stronger and stronger” that the Chargers will acquire Marcus Mariota from the Titans.” – Jason Cole, Yahoo!
4/12: “Titans leadership believes in Zach Mettenberger. And these guys are never wrong, at least in their own minds. You don’t play your way into the No. 2 pick in the draft by admitting your mistakes. The other quarterback options are just that: options. And the Titans aren’t inclined to exercise those options.” – David Climer, the Tennessean
4/8: “I could see any number of a half-dozen teams using [the No. 2] selection on the Oregon quarterback, including the Titans, who currently have it.” – Jason La Canfora
4/7: The Bears could trade Jay Cutler to the Titans for the No. 2 pick so they can draft Marcus Mariota. – Jason Cole, Yahoo!
3/26: “Marcus Mariota is going second overall … I don’t know to which team, but he’s going second overall.” – One general manager to Jason La Canfora. Mariota has been slotted No. 2 in our 2015 NFL Mock Draft.
3/25: The feeling is that Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota will go one and two in some order. – Adam Schefter
3/24: “From guys I talk to around the league they don’t understand how the Titans couldn’t take Marcus Mariota.” – Sam Wyche
3/22: The Chargers should trade Philip Rivers to the Jets for pick No. 6, and then send the Titans Nos. 6 and 17 for No. 2 to pick Marcus Mariota. San Diego worked out Mariota. – Gary Myers, New York Daily News
3/19: “Some who know Tennessee coach Ken Whisenhunt well figure in the end, barring him being blown out of the water with a trade offer, he goes ahead and drafts Marcus Mariota.” – Jason La Canfora. Mariota has been slotted No. 2 in the 2015 NFL Mock Draft for quite some time.
3/15: NFL coaches believe that Chip Kelly will trade Sam Bradford to the Titans for Marcus Mariota, as Bradford is an obvious “non-system fit.” – Josina Anderson, ESPN
3/14: “The Titans have an opportunity to do something about [the quarterback position] with the second overall pick, but smart money is on sticking with Zach Mettenberger instead of drafting Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.” – Jim Wyatt, the Tennessean
2/22: “Titans general manager Ruston Webster and coach Ken Whisenhunt … just saw the value of the No. 2 overall pick of the draft jump considerably.” – Rob Rang, in the wake of the quarterbacks’ performance at the NFL Combine
2/18: General manager Ruston Webster said that while the team likes Zach Mettenberger, we’re “not committing to anything now, including who we’re going to pick at No. 2 right now.”
2/15: “Early indications are the Titans are leaning toward giving Mettenberger a chance to prove himself as the full-time starter rather than drafting Winston or Mariota.” – Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
2/11: Teams don’t believe Marcus Mariota will slide in the draft. – Charlie Campbell. Click here for more on the Marcus Mariota.
1/18: “The Titans will consider a quarterback with the second-overall pick, and Mettenberger’s rookie year won’t prevent them from taking a signal caller at No. 2.” – Charlie Campbell. Click here for more on the Titans drafting a quarterback.
1/18: “Titans will do their due diligence on guys like Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, but I can’t see them taking either with the No. 2 pick.” – Jim Wyatt
1/18: The Titans are “content with Zach Mettenberger” and don’t feel the urgency to use a high draft pick on a quarterback. – Chris Mortensen
Marcus Mariota Mock Draft:
Here are some quick mock drafts revolving around the three speculated Marcus Mariota trades. Check out my 2015 NFL Mock Draft for the full version.
If the Browns trade up for Mariota…
1. TB: Jameis Winston, QB
2. CLE: Marcus Mariota, QB
3. JAX: Dante Fowler, DE
4. OAK: Leonard Williams, DT
5. WAS: Vic Beasley, OLB
6. NYJ: Amari Cooper, WR
7. CHI: Kevin White, WR
8. ATL: Alvin Dupree, DE
9. NYG: Brandon Scherff, G
10. STL: DeVante Parker, WR
11. MIN: Trae Waynes, CB
12. TEN: Danny Shelton, NT
13. NO: Shane Ray, OLB
14. MIA: Breshad Perriman, WR
15. SF: Jalen Collins, CB
16. HOU: Todd Gurley, RB
17. SD: Ereck Flowers, OT
18. KC: La’el Collins, OT
19. TEN: D.J. Humphries, OT
20. PHI: Nelson Agholor, WR
21. CIN: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
22. PIT: Randy Gregory, OLB
23. DET: Andrus Peat, OT
24. ARZ: Melvin Gordon, RB
25. CAR: Shaq Thompson, OLB
26. BAL: Kevin Johnson, CB
27. DAL: Ronald Darby, CB
28. DEN: Cameron Erving, C
29. IND: Landon Collins, S
30. GB: Eric Kendricks, ILB
31. NO: Phillip Dorsett, WR
32. NE: Eddie Goldman, DT
I gave the Titans two linemen. Danny Shelton would greatly improve the team’s awful run defense by being a major upgrade over Sammie Lee Hill, who has had some alleged domestic abuse issues recently. At No. 19, D.J. Humphries will provide some help on the offensive line. Tennessee lost two of its top three tackles this offseason, so a bookend is needed across from Taylor Lewan.
How about if the Chargers get Mariota?
1. TB: Jameis Winston, QB
2. SD: Marcus Mariota, QB
3. JAX: Dante Fowler, DE
4. OAK: Leonard Williams, DT
5. WAS: Vic Beasley, OLB
6. NYJ: Amari Cooper, WR
7. CHI: Kevin White, WR
8. ATL: Alvin Dupree, DE
9. NYG: Brandon Scherff, G
10. STL: DeVante Parker, WR
11. MIN: Trae Waynes, CB
12. CLE: Danny Shelton, NT
13. NO: Shane Ray, OLB
14. MIA: Breshad Perriman, WR
15. SF: Jalen Collins, CB
16. HOU: Todd Gurley, RB
17. TEN: Ereck Flowers, OT
18. KC: La’el Collins, OT
19. CLE: D.J. Humphries, OT
20. PHI: Nelson Agholor, WR
21. CIN: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
22. PIT: Randy Gregory, OLB
23. DET: Andrus Peat, OT
24. ARZ: Melvin Gordon, RB
25. CAR: Shaq Thompson, OLB
26. BAL: Kevin Johnson, CB
27. DAL: Ronald Darby, CB
28. DEN: Cameron Erving, C
29. IND: Landon Collins, S
30. GB: Eric Kendricks, ILB
31. NO: Phillip Dorsett, WR
32. NE: Eddie Goldman, DT
It’s actually very similar to the previous mock. Instead of landing a monstrous nose tackle in addition to the right tackle, the Titans get Philip Rivers. So, the question that Tennessee has to ask itself is: Would it rather have 10 or so great months of quarterback play or (potentially) 10 years of teams not being able to run at them because of Danny Shelton?
And finally, here’s the Philadelphia-Mariota mock:
1. TB: Jameis Winston, QB
2. PHI: Marcus Mariota, QB
3. JAX: Dante Fowler, DE
4. OAK: Leonard Williams, DT
5. WAS: Vic Beasley, OLB
6. NYJ: Amari Cooper, WR
7. CHI: Kevin White, WR
8. ATL: Alvin Dupree, DE
9. NYG: Brandon Scherff, G
10. STL: DeVante Parker, WR
11. MIN: Trae Waynes, CB
12. CLE: Danny Shelton, NT
13. NO: Shane Ray, OLB
14. MIA: Breshad Perriman, WR
15. SF: Jalen Collins, CB
16. HOU: Todd Gurley, RB
17. SD: Ereck Flowers, OT
18. KC: La’el Collins, OT
19. TEN: Andrus Peat, OT
20. TEN: Kevin Johnson, CB
21. CIN: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
22. PIT: Randy Gregory, OLB
23. DET: D.J. Humphries, OT
24. ARZ: Melvin Gordon, RB
25. CAR: Shaq Thompson, OLB
26. BAL: Eddie Goldman, DT
27. DAL: Ronald Darby, CB
28. DEN: Cameron Erving, C
29. IND: Landon Collins, S
30. GB: Eric Kendricks, ILB
31. NO: Phillip Dorsett, WR
32. NE: Devin Smith, WR
In this scenario, not only would Tennessee obtain Andrus Peat and Kevin Johnson; it would have acquired Sam Bradford, Evan Mathis and Mychal Kendricks. Bradford would be an upgrade at quarterback, but the Titans will have to use Zach Mettenberger anyway once its new quarterback gets injured.
If you haven’t noticed, there are way more changes in this one. The Titans would still get their right tackle, but the same couldn’t be said for the Lions, who would pluck Melvin Gordon right in front of the Cardinals. Poor Nelson Agholor, meanwhile, falls out of the first round entirely. And as for the Titans standing pat, just check out my current 2015 NFL Mock Draft for that scenario.
I’ll be updating this page daily, so check back or follow me @walterfootball.
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