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2015 NFL Draft grades: Tennessee Titans select Marcus Mariota

By Luke Dahlgren

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs off the field following the first half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs off the field following the first half of the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tennessee Titans selected blank player with the second overall pick in the draft, even as they had a multitude of options with their position in the draft. 

If the Titans wanted to select the best player available, then USC’s Leonard Williams would be the better pick here. Williams can fit into any defensive scheme, and will help shore up the Titans defensive line while still

That being said, Marcus Mariota clearly fits a need for the Titans, and if they are to hopefully climb up in the standings in an AFC South dominated by Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, they will need an offensive centerpiece they so obviously lack. Mariota has the measurables and pedigree to become that franchise centerpiece, and the Titans needed to make this move.

However, if they plan to start him immediately, this may be a disastrous move for the Titans. While Mariota does a good job of making defenses off balance and demonstrates incredible accuracy, athleticism and decision-making, he struggles going through NFL reads. While he makes the right decisions, he can’t re-adjust and make those accurate throws once he gets into those reads. Combined with the fact that his fast-paced offense and stellar offensive line in Oregon protected him from ever facing truly outstanding pass rushes, and Mariota may need a little bit of time to adjust to the NFL.

He is a smart player, so this is simply a matter of experience. Given a year to redshirt, so to speak, Mariota will be a great player.

The problem is that the Titans have very few options at quarterback, what with the Great Mettenberger at the helm, so may be overeager to thrust Mariota into the lineup. Plus, Williams might be the better player overall. But I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Grade: A-

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