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NFL Draft: Ranking 5 Potential Landing Spots For Marcus Mariota

By Robby Sabo

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms up before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) warms up before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks on during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks on during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kansas City Chiefs, 18th Overall Pick

Draft Possibility: Almost Impossible

At No. 18, unless they move up considerably in the draft, the Kansas City Chiefs will not land Marcus Mariota. The possibility slims out even further with the idea of the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans drafting in front of them.

Although, the Chiefs do present a very intriguing option for the Oregon prospect.

Does Marcus Mariota Fit?

Andy Reid is the perfect quarterback guy. His offenses are geared to the thrower and he understands the position arguably better than anybody in the game. You’ll notice this trend a lot on this list, as Mariota will need a strong quarterback mind to help him succeed in this league.

While Reid has been a bit more run-conscience since coming to Kansas City, his run/pass ratio was infamous for favoring the thrower during his days with the Eagles. The West Coast offense would be a system Mariota’s skill-set is perfect for.

Timing, short windows with one look reads, and strategic footwork – the more an offense deals with that stuff, the better for Mariota.

Not only does Reid always lift up the play of his quarterback, but with Alex Smith still under center, Mariota can comfortably learn behind the veteran.

Smith’s contract is a big one. It’s one that many scratched their heads at once revealed prior to last season. Remarkably, it keeps him in Kansas City through the 2018 season.

If Reid can somehow get his mitts on Mariota, it could speed up the “Smith leaving town” process, as well as provide Mariota with the time on the sideline needed to learn and develop.

What better coach and quarterback to learn from than Reid and Smith? Additionally, Jamaal Charles, Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin are pretty solid weapons if Mariota was ever pressed into action during his rookie campaign.

Next: Number 3

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