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Report: Titans comfortable taking Marcus Mariota, prefer trade down

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

No team spent more resources scouting quarterback Marcus Mariota throughout his final season at Oregon than the Tennessee Titans, owners of the second overall pick in Thursday's draft. 

The Titans have talked up second-year passer Zach Mettenberger all offseason but would prefer Mariota under center next season, Peter King of The MMQB suggests. 

The Titans reportedly expect Mariota to transition smoothly to the pro game and believe concerns about his ability to thrive from inside the pocket are overblown. 

That said, it appears the Titans' preference is to trade down from the second overall slot. The team is said to be courting a Robert Griffin III or Julio Jones type of deal, though King says he hasn't heard of any trade partners emerging. 

"Tuesday or Wednesday is when those (trade) calls are made, the serious calls," an NFL general manager told King. 

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