


Super Bowl XLIX is in the rear-view mirror, and that means the NFL Draft is approaching quickly. The 2015 NFL Draft will be like no other for the Philadelphia Eagles, however. Chip Kelly and the Eagles will be the subject of many, many rumors heading into Chicago. The focus point of said rumors will be on Marcus Mariota, the QB from Oregon. Oregon’s former head coach Chip Kelly has been the head coach of the Eagles for two seasons, and it has been widely speculated that Chip would “move heaven and earth” to acquire Mariota when he declared for the draft. That chance may present itself this April, as Marcus has gone public with his declaration for the NFL Draft. With rumors a plenty, there is only one question that needs to be asked. “Is Marcus Mariota worth trading up for?”
The 21-year-old Honolulu native has made quite a name for himself over three seasons in Eugene, but started out his football career as a practical unknown. Graduating from St. Louis High School in Honolulu, he was never provided with a starting opportunity, until his senior season. He quickly made his presence felt though, leading his team to an 11-1 record, and a state championship. Following that season, Marcus was heavily sought after by teams like Notre Dame, USC, and UCLA. Ultimately though, Mariota accepted a scholarship offer to go play for the University of Oregon. It was at Oregon that Mariota transcended the game, and became a superstar. The 18-year old Mariota red-shirted the 2011 season, delaying his arrival by a season. The 2012 season was Mariota’s breakout year as he led the Ducks to a 12-1 record, including a 35-17 victory over #5 Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl. Mariota’s 3,429 total yards from scrimmage, and 37 total touchdowns were only a glimpse at what was to come from the pride of Honolulu. The team took a step back in Marcus’ sophomore season, finishing 11-2 with a 30-7 win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl. Mariota had another strong season, becoming the only player in Oregon’s history to eclipse 4,000 total yards of offense. He also racked up 40 touchdowns. Many were left wondering how Mariota’s college career could get better after that season.
Well, the 2014 season proved just how it could. The Ducks went on a tear, finishing 12-1 in the regular season. By winning the Pac-12 championship, Oregon had avenged its’ only blemish by decimating the #6 Arizona Wildcats. Mariota’s dream season continued as he led his Oregon Ducks to the first-ever College Football Playoff. Knocking off #4 Florida State, the Ducks advanced to the National Championship. Unfortunately for Marcus, his dream season would not conclude with the ultimate prize. Oregon ran into an Urban Meyer-led Ohio State buzz-saw. Mariota’s 2014 season is being referred to as “one of the greatest single-season performances” by a college-athlete. Racking up over 5,000 total yards of offense, he also tallied 58 total touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Those numbers led Mariota to his first Davey’ O’Brien Award, and Maxwell Award. He also became the first Hawaiian-born player to win the prestigious Heisman Memorial Trophy. As life would have it, Marcus’ best season in Eugene would also be his last, as he declared for the NFL Draft. Moving onto the next portion of his career, Mariota is a locked in first-round selection this April. The question remains where in the first round?
The majority of teams in the NFL seem to be settled on a choice at QB, at the present moment. As usual though, there are a few exceptions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who currently possess the 1st overall pick are the team with the largest need for a QB. However, they also have many other needs on the defensive side of the ball. The Tennessee Titans stake claim to the 2nd overall pick, but they seem ready to commit to LSU alum Zach Mettenberger as the signal-caller. This leave the New York Jets, and our Philadelphia Eagles as potential destinations for the pride of Oregon. Mariota has long been associated with the Birds, solely because of his relationship with coach Chip Kelly. However, with the questions surrounding the solidarity of Nick Foles under center, the Mariota rumors have begun to gain steam. Many experts have supported the idea that the Eagles should go get Mariota. In fact, an AFC scout has gone as far to say “Chip (Kelly) will mortgage the future to go get him. If he misses on him, (Kelly) can just bolt back to college.” That may be true, but it’s more complicated than just mortgaging the future. Kelly would need to decide how much of the future, he wants to mortgage.
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Tags: Eagles Draft, Eagles news, philadelphia sports, Philadelphia Sports Media, Philadelphia Sports Questions, Philly Sports News, Ryan Waterman, TalkSportsPhilly.com
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