Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
I kind of went out on a limb last week when I brought up the possibility that the Philadelphia Eagles would even think about trading up from the 20th spot in the 2015 NFL Draft to get Oregon Quarterback, Marcus Mariota when the Tennessee Titans pick at two.
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Some of you even we’re probably wondering what kind of happy stuff I was smoking, but there are a couple of facts, some new, and some old, that might support a draft-day deal with Head Coach, Chip Kelly, and the Eagles.
In his Monday post at Fansided’s NFL Mocks site, Geoff Zlobinsky came to the same conclusion, and even put a block-buster deal on the table that Titans General Manager, Ruston Webster, and Head Coach, Ken Whisenhunt might take to the bank.
Marcus Mariota: Should the Eagles “Do The Deal”?
What We Know:
- Even though he hasn’t coached Marcus Mariota for the past two season, Chip Kelly continues to refer to Mariota as “The most talented kid I’ve ever coached.”
- Kelly recruited Mariota at Oregon, and created a relentless offense that is still in use today.
- He continues to run a hurry-up, spread offense in Philly, and I suspect he sees the Duck signal caller in his dreams, at the helm of that attack.
- It appeared that Head Coach, Chip Kelly, and Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur gave up on Quarterback, Nick Foles. They stayed with former Jets Quarterback, Mark Sanchez in 2014 even after Foles had recovered from a broken collarbone, and was ready to play.
"Using the Falcons and Browns trade as a guideline for a deal between the Eagles and the Titans, the Eagles could send the Titans a package that includes … A 1st and a 4th in the 2015 NFL Draft, and a 1st and a 3rd in the 2016 NFL Draft, along with Nick Foles."
The line on the former Duck quarterback after the loss to Ohio State in the National Championship game fell, but a fine performance at the NFL Combine on Saturday seemed to reinvigorate his status.
Most Mock Drafts had him going to the New Your Jets with the sixth pick, but after seeing that he is close to mastering the drop back, and looked pretty good throwing to positions on the field, opinions have started to shift.
Even NFL Channel Draft Analyst, Mike Mayock went on record as saying this should bring more buyers to the Titan’s table if Mariota doesn’t get picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first selection on April 30th.
"“If you ask me that question in a vacuum it’s different than asking if number five can move up to number two or if number six can move to two as opposed to if 20 can move to two,” he said recognizing the hefty price the Eagles would have to pay to move from 20. “Is there value sitting at two for Tennessee? Absolutely. If a quarterback goes at one and they’re sitting at two okay with Zach Mettenberger, then yeah, the store is open, let’s see if we can barter a little bit.”"
The problems with this deal lie on the defensive side of the ball. The Tennessee Titans would not be able to pick up Leonard Williams with the second pick, a player that Defensive Assistant Head Coach, Dick LeBeau could use as “cornerstone” to build his 3-4 defense around.
Further, most of the Defensive Linemen, and top OLB’s had great showings in the NFL Combine on Sunday, and to the man, moved up the board.
According to Scouts Inc’s Top 32 list, only DE Vic Beasley out of Clemson would likely still be on the board with Philly’s pick at 20. Beasley had a good combine, but he doesn’t measure up to USC’s Leonard Williams, or University of Washington’s Danny Shelton.
But, as luck would have it, there should be some nice O-Line picks available with Philadelphia’s pick. The Titans can always use some more help in the offensive trenches.
Most experts agree, Marcus Mariota needs to be coached up before he takes to the field in September, and who better that Chip Kelly to provide the youngster with the tools he will need at the NFL level. Mariota has never had to call a play in the huddle, and Kelly’s offense rarely huddles anyway.
If it looks like a Duck(no pun intended), and quacks like a duck, maybe Marcus Mariota to the Philadelphia Eagle at number two could be the block-buster deal of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Nick Foles is not an élite Quarterback in the NFL, but would provide needed competition for Zach Mettenberger in training camp, and could be a nice back-up option should Zach go down with another injury.
Next: Leonard Williams Shakes Up Mel Kiper's Big Board At NFL Combine