Tennessee Titans Nab Franchise QB in Marcus Mariota

By Dan Schmelzer | Apr 30, 2015

Trade rumors have swirled throughout the process, but the Tennessee Titans stayed put and took quarterback Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Titans have many needs across the roster, and had to be tempted with the Philadelphia Eagles’ reported offer of multiple first round picks, quarterback Sam Bradford, star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and other key players. However, when push came to shove, the Titans stayed put and took the guy who they believe can lead them to the promise land.

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Mariota now enters an interesting situation with the Titans. His speed and athleticism is obviously a plus, but his mobility is not something that head coach Ken Whisenhunt is used to at the quarterback position. Typically, Whisenhunt’s quarterbacks are pocket passers. While he shows great poise and accuracy, Mariota is far from a pocket passer. His ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs are part of what makes him such an intriguing prospect.

Rumors surfaced throughout the draft process about the Titans looking at other positions with this second overall pick. Last year they took quarterback Zach Mettenberger in the sixth round. Mettenberger showed nice upside in limited time last season, but when you have a chance to land a potential franchise quarterback like Mariota, you take it.

Mariota is lauded for his intelligence and work ethic off of the field. The athleticism stands out because of the style of offense he played in at Oregon, but Mariota also showed a very strong arm and great throwing accuracy.

He not only has the speed and athleticism to escape pressure, Mariota appears to have that sixth sense when it comes to sensing the pass rush. He is never afraid to tuck the ball and run, but never seems to do so too early. Mariota always does a nice job of keeping his eyes up field, allowing for big plays in the passing game.

It will be interesting to see how he adjust to the next level. Mariota has all of the physical tools to be an NFL star, but the offense he played in at Oregon made quick and easy decisions for the quarterback. While Mariota is known for having great football IQ, he never really had to prove it on the field, as he was rarely forced to go through his progressions.

In the NFL, Mariota will have to prove those skills, and Whisenhunt’s offense is typically considered to be one of the most complex systems in the NFL. It will not be an easy transition for him, but scouting reports on his football intelligence are extremely positive. The Titans obviously believe that Mariota can make this transition.

While trading the pick had to be tempting, quarterback is the single most important position in all of sports. When you have an opportunity to sit back, and land a talent at the position like Mariota, it is a slam dunk.

There will almost certainly be some growing pains, but the Titans now have their franchise quarterback. The skill set is there for him to be a star.

Next: 2015 NFL Draft: Live Day 1 Updates, Grades and Analysis

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