Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is expected to be a top-five pick, and possibly the No. 1 overall, should he decide to declare for the NFL draft next year. The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to pick someone around the mid-20's, and already have two quarterbacks on the roster with starting experience. At first glance, it doesn't seem as if the possibility of Mariota landing with his former college coach Chip Kelly in Philly is all that likely. But dig a little deeper.
The Eagles had reportedly "soured" on Foles even before the QB broke his collarbone in Week 9. The organization isn't sold that he's a bona fide franchise quarterback in the long-term. Mark Sanchez played well last night against the Carolina Panthers, but he's an unrestricted free agent at the season's end and no one's idea of a permanent solution at the position. As of right now, it doesn't appear as if the Eagles have their quarterback of the future on the roster.
But what about the QB-needy teams at the top of the draft? I'm glad you asked.
The Oakland Raiders (0-9) and Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) are the front runners for the top overall pick. Both teams are also pleased with the flashes of promise their rookie quarterbacks - Derek Carr and Blake Bortles, respectively - have shown this season.
"Moving up and mortgaging your future for a receiver does not make sense, but I'd do it for a quarterback," a general manager from another team told ESPN's Mike Sando. "I don't know if Mariota would be worth it, but he might be for Chip because the hardest part at quarterback is the learning curve. Mariota would be seamless in Philadelphia."
Mariota and Kelly were close while both were at Oregon. Their relationship and familiarity could be a major factor in Philadelphia's thinking come draft time.
"A retired NFL player who observed Kelly and Mariota during Oregon's spring practices and on game days said he thought the Eagles' interest in Mariota would be strong," Sando wrote. "He noted that Kelly has coveted speed at every position and that Mariota could project as a more durable version of Robert Griffin III or as a bigger version of Russell Wilson."
It's possible that the willingness is there to try and trade up to select Mariota. But how much it will cost, and if Kelly is willing to sacrifice that much, remains to be seen.
