2015 NFL Draft: What if Marcus Mariota Falls?

‘s age and injury history are both red flags. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals

Draft Position: No. 24

Current Quarterback: Carson Palmer, 35 years old

Other Draft Needs: ILB, DL, RB

Not only would it make sense for the Arizona Cardinals to select Marcus Mariota at No. 24, but it’s hard to understand why they wouldn’t. Carson Palmer may have something left in the tank, but he’s 35 years old and is coming off of a torn ACL.

Whether or not h’de start from Day 1, Mariota would have a respected veteran in Palmer and a quarterback guru in Bruce Arians to help him along.

Arians is a masterful head coach who knows how to get the most out of the players he’s given. His specialty has proven to be the development of quarterbacks, and that’s why this move makes so much sense.

Mariota has his flaws, but if there’s anyone who can help him overcome them, it’s the two-time NFL Coach of the Year.

Logan Thomas tends to come up in conversations about why the Cardinals will not take a quarterback in 2015. That’s admirable, but Arizona has gone 21-11 over the past two seasons with a revolving door of field generals.

If they can land a potential franchise quarterback in the first round, they should do it—especially if it means pairing Mariota with Andre Ellington.

Next: How Much Longer Does He Get?