Fansided

Ranking starting quarterbacks for each NFL team

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 33
Next
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

The Titans should be very happy with what they saw out of their rookie quarterback in 2015. Mariota got off to an electrifying start despite many believing he would take longer to adjust to the NFL due to the system he played in at Oregon.

The 2014 Heisman winner was selected right behind Jameis Winston second overall before receiving the starting role in Tennessee immediately. Mariota nearly topped 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 12 games, adding another 252 yards on the ground, including an incredible 87-yard touchdown run.

One of the big concerns for Mariota was his injury history, and that showed in his rookie season. Mariota missed four games due to a pair of MCL injuries, something which could hurt his development. The Titans will need to manage Mariota’s health carefully, and the fact that they were considering starting him in a meaningless Week 17 game last year is not a good sign.

The most impressive thing about Mariota’s rookie season was his ability to read defenses quickly, something he didn’t have to do much at Oregon, while also using his incredible athleticism wisely. If Mariota can improve his accuracy downfield, which is critical in the NFL, the sky is the limit.

Grabbing left tackle Laremy Tunsil with the first overall pick would perhaps help Mariota’s development more than anything, as Tennessee’s offensive line struggled mightily in 2015.

Next: 22. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Home/Arizona Cardinals