Mariota Rumors Swirl As Draft Approaches

New Mariota rumors seem to pop up every day as we approach the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday,April 30th in Chicago. By far the most in volume and the most elaborate have dealt with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chip Kelly. Kelly’s remaking of the Eagles has drawn a ton of attention already, landing Mariota would only fan the flames that Chip is trying to make Philly look more like Eugene. The Browns certainly have the fire power to move up, possessing two first round picks this year. But possibly the strongest contender is San Diego, who also might be the most motivated needing to find a resolution to the saga with Phillip Rivers.

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Mariota Rumors: Philadelphia Eagles

Mar 22, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly in attendance during the NFL Veteran Combine at the Arizona Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Duck fans remember just how meticulous Chip Kelly can be with regards to preparation, so will we see this expertise on display Thursday? Will he masterfully turn his convocation of quarterbacks into the number 2 overall pick? Will he mortgage the future for Mariota? In addition to trading Fowles and a second rounder for Bradford, Chip has also signed Tim Tebow. There are several scenarios that could see the Eagles landing the number 2 pick, most reasonable seems to be working with the Browns who own two first round picks, have a need at QB and have pursued Bradford with one of those 1st round picks in the past. It’s hard to see a scenario where the Browns aren’t involved in some level to see Mariota landing in Philly. Sbnation has laid out a snapshot of what that 3 team trade could look like.

Mariota Rumors: Cleveland Browns

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With Johnny Manziel just wrapping up a stint in rehab, it’s hard to imagine he will be totally able to commit to football this year. While the Browns are rumored to be interested in moving up to land Mariota, it seems like a lot of smoke. If the Browns wanted Mariota it seems their two picks in the first round would all but end discussions with other teams. At the very least it would crush most of the rumors around the Eagles. I believe their interest is simply positioning to land more from Philadelphia in that potential trade. Cleveland seems to value Bradford over Mariota.

Mariota Rumors: San Diego Chargers

With Philip Rivers and the future of the Chargers both murky when it comes to San Diego, the Chargers could be the best match for the Titans. Rivers will not move to LA with the Chargers, and won’t sign an extension with that situation in the air. Rivers grew up about 90 minutes from Nashville. Likely a move to Tennessee would be welcomed and Rivers would begin to negotiate an extension at this time. The Chargers would get a young talent that would draw a crowd on the west coast and could help the franchise add fans in the LA area. Out of all the scenarios this one seems to fix the most problems for the two teams. Rivers would give the Titans, a proven, veteran QB. Mariota would give the Chargers, potentially, their next franchise QB.

Duck fans have to be watching this hoping that the Eagles somehow position themselves in a way to draft Mariota. With that said it seems that the Chargers might make the most sense for the two teams that are going to be involved. The Chargers in San Diego, or in Los Angeles would geographically keep Mariota the closest to Hawaii, also he would remain on the west coast. Could San Diego actually be a better landing spot for the Duck? The NFL draft starts this Thursday, April 30th at 8pm ET or 5pm Eugene time!