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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 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly watches from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly watches from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Philadelphia Eagles, 20th Overall Pick

Draft Possibility: Very Possible

The more I think about the potential landing spots for Marcus Mariota, the more I firmly believe he’ll eventually find himself in Philadelphia with Chip Kelly.

Could you imagine a team with Mariota, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez? Talk about madness.

Eagles
Eagles /

Eagles

But I digress.

The reason I see Mariota as a member of the Eagles after Thursday night’s proceedings are over has a two-pronged approach.

One comes down to the idea that an abundance of teams drafting in early slots already have faith with in-house quarterbacks. Who are the organizations who clearly don’t posses one? The Jets probably. The Browns definitely. Aside from that, there aren’t many teams who’ll be willing to further confuse their quarterback situation. This could very easily include the Titans with Mettenberger.

The other reason comes squarely on the shoulders of Kelly himself.

Throughout this entire offseason we have seen madness from the boss in Philly. While the rest of the league zigged, he decided to zag. He has made it his intent to completely go rouge and do whatever his giant heart desires.

At this point it feels as though whatever he wants to do, he will do.

This leads me to believe that he will find a way to land the guy he so desperately wants. The Cleveland Browns, who hold two first-rounders ahead of his No. 20 slot, will become very instrumental in this process. This is the sole reason the Browns aren’t on this list.

I think Sam Bradford will find his way to Cleveland when it’s all said and done. If Cleveland plays it smart, they’ll be able to gather a king’s ransom from Kelly.

Does Marcus Mariota Fit?

To further the Eagles chances of landing the Hawaii product, no team is better equipped to showcase Mariota in the NFL.

Kelly coached the kid in college. This is something so rare.

The offense in Philly is exactly what Mariota is used to, and perhaps is the only offense and situation for which Mariota can start from day one and play extremely well.

In Kelly’s offense, he’d be able to continue showcasing his dual-threat abilities from the get-go – albeit, on a far lesser level. Questions remain with the rest of the league whether Mariota could succeed as a pure pocket passer.

The system quarterback will need to continue playing in his type of system.

The only thing that remains is whether Kelly will somehow figure a way to land his guy.

Next: 7 Luckiest 7th Round Draft Picks Of All-Time

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