Titans stick with 2nd overall pick, draft QB Marcus Mariota
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The Tennessee Titans listened to trade offers but ultimately decided to stay put and select quarterback Marcus Mariota out of Oregon with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Mariota was consistently one of college football's top players in each of his three seasons at Oregon, throwing for an incredible 10,976 yards, 105 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions.
Though a somewhat quarterback-friendly offense may have raised some questions about his ability to make a successful NFL transition, Tennessee will be sure to tailor its offense to his high-level talents.
Still in search of a true franchise signal caller, the Titans are hoping Mariota quickly emerges as a long-term solution at the most important position on the field.
Titans general manager Ruston Webster was quick to shoot down rumors his team selected Mariota with the intention of trading him, saying bluntly the Titans have no plans to shop Mariota despite the bounty reportedly offered by teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles.
"Every minute we spent with him it just felt better and better," Webster said.
"We have a plan," head coach Ken Whisenhunt pledged. "You have to push him, challenge him."
Marcus Mariota Bio
Position: QB
School: Oregon
College Experience: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 222 lbs.
Age: 21
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.52 sec |
| Bench Press | N/A |
| Vertical Jump | 36 inches |
| Broad Jump | 121 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.87 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.11 sec |
Strengths
- Has a quick and compact delivery, throwing with both good velocity and accurate ball placement.
- Stays composed when a play breaks down, taking care of the football and avoiding turnovers.
- Senses the pass rush and can step up or make a defender miss within the pocket.
- Keeps eyes downfield when escaping pressure, resetting his feet before making the throw.
- Uses his high-level athleticism to make plays with his legs both by design and when a play breaks down, also understanding when to keep the run alive and when to protect himself from contact.
- Makes good, quick decisions as asked within the parameters of Oregon's offensive scheme.
Weaknesses
- Wasn't required to make many NFL-type passes in Oregon's offense, rarely having to throw receivers open downfield.
- Often forced to read one half of the field at a time, likely meaning he's in for a considerable transition period at the next level.
- Has ideal height at 6-foot-4, but a somewhat thin build could generate concerns as to whether he can withstand the punishment NFL quarterbacks take in the pocket.