Tennessee Titans find their future in Marcus Mariota

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With talks of the Tennessee Titans trading the second pick in last night’s first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the team elected to make one of the biggest shocks: selecting quarterback Marcus Marioto.

Of course, that was just commissioner Roger Goodell botching the name of Marcus Mariota.

Mariota, who finished his career as a Oregon Duck with a record of 36-5 and a junior season capped off with a Heisman Trophy, becomes the first quarterback selected by the Titans in the first round since 2011, when they selected Jake Locker with the number eight pick.

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Last year’s Associated Press Player of the Year brings a new look to the Titans offense, as his ability to limit turnovers, throw the ball on the run and extend plays bodes well for a team that finished 29 in the NFL in total offense in 2014.

Heading into the draft, the main criticisms of Mariota came from his experience in a spread offense, which featured the use of simplified reads. In addition, some crucial skills such as taking a snap under center and reading coverage while dropping back need tooling.

But the Titans knew this coming into the draft. Mariota, unlike Jameis Winston, who was first to have his name called on Thursday night, is a project quarterback.

This bodes well for the Titans for two reasons: it gives them an identifiable player and another viable option at a position that continues to hinder the team’s success.

Last season, the Titans saw four players throw the ball. The carousel was due in large part to a lack of production, mixed with a variety of injuries.

A tandem of Zach Mettenberger, Charlie Whitehurst, Jake Locker and Jordan Palmer combined for 3,738 yards, 20 touchdowns 16 interceptions and a rating of 81 – good for 22 in the league.

Mettenberger, who started six games last season, was likely to compete with Mariota for the starting job before requesting a trade among the rumors of Tennessee seeking an upgrade at the position. It is still unclear if Tennessee will deal him.

While the jury is out on what Mariota will do in the NFL, he is the likely number one option for the Titans’ Week 1 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Winston.

Although there were many options available with the second pick in the draft, the decision to go quarterback was made and the future for the Titans has arrived.

Next: More Mariota Analysis

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