2015 NFL Draft: What if Marcus Mariota Falls?

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) speaks during a press conference after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft, the wild scenario was presented of Texas A&M Aggies star and Heisman Trophy award-winner Johnny Manziel being selected by the Dallas Cowboys. That situation nearly played out when Dallas was on the clock at pick No. 16.

Rather than selecting Manziel, however, the Cowboys went the safe route and chose offensive lineman Zack Martin.

In that same draft, many had projected Louisville Cardinals star Teddy Bridgewater to go No. 1 overall to the quarterback-hungry Houston Texans. Instead of going No. 1, Bridgewater slipped all the way to No. 31.

In 2015, the lesson learned in previous seasons should be applied to Marcus Mariota: just because we expect a team to take him doesn’t mean they will.

Everyone from Bridgewater and Manziel to Geno Smith and Brady Quinn can attest to that.

Thus, the question beckons: what if Mariota falls down draft boards? Which team might gamble on the Oregon Ducks star?

Next: A Quarterback Away