The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be re-thinking things if they plan on drafting Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston first overall tonight, since much of the pre-draft buzz has surrounded Oregon prospect Marcus Mariota. According to reports, multiple teams are serious about trading up to pick Mariota including the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.
At various points throughout the draft's buildup, the Cleveland Browns have been labeled a frontrunner for Mariota. Yes, they selected a quarterback in the first round last season; Johnny Manziel underperformed badly in his rookie year, and off the field was such a disaster the team appears to want to cut bait. Mariota comes out of Oregon with the opposite reputation of Manziel, and even Winston. All three are former Heisman winners, but only Mariota has the clean character profile NFL teams covet.
Mariota also has serious statistical production to boast of. He threw 42 touchdowns last season, eclipsed 4,000 yards passing, defeated Winston and the Seminoles in the College Football Playoff, and appeared in the National Championship Game. On the ground, he rushed for 770 yards, scored 15 touchdowns, and was compared to Russell Wilson by former Super Bowl winning coach Jon Gruden. Because of all that, Cleveland has reportedly offered the Tennesee Titans two 2015 first-round picks for their No. 2 pick.
There had been other reports that Cleveland was willing to deal one of their picks to the Philadelphia Eagles and acquire Sam Bradford, whom the Eagles traded for this offseason. Then, Philadelphia would trade their two first-rounders, plus linebacker Mychal Kendricks and defensive lineman Fletcher Cox to the Titans.
Eagles coach Chip Kelly recruited and coached Mariota at Oregon, and knows how he fits in his offense. If Cleveland intends to use their picks to acquire him though, it has been reported cornerback Brandon Boykin may also be available in a deal.
Two #Eagles defenders who teams believe could be had for the right price: DB Brandon Boykin & LB Mychal Kendricks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2015
The wild card in these trade scenarios are the San Diego Chargers, who were linked to Mariota for the previous two weeks before the rumors faded. Philip Rivers has not signed an extension with the Chargers, and hasn't been clear if he intends to stay with them. The Chargers were reportedly exploring trade options, and could send Rivers Tennessee's way in a package for that No. 2 pick.
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