The NFL draft is always shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. That's probably why it's such a popular event; the intrigue levels are at all-time highs. Perhaps no other storyline this year is as interesting as what the Tennessee Titans will do with the second overall pick.
Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota?
As ESPN NFL insider Field Yates puts it, the Titans are facing a big quarterback question. The team has repeatedly offered support for 2014 sixth-round pick Zach Mettenberger, who threw for 1,413 yards with eight touchdowns and seven picks in seven games last season before a shoulder injury ended his season. But would they really be willing to pass up on either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota come draft time?
"Head coach Ken Whisenhunt' preferred style of throwing is a sturdy pocket passer who can deliver the ball down the field," Yates wrote. "'Both the QBs he's won with were pocket guys - Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger,' one NFC personnel man noted. Mettenberger has the physical profile - 'Another big guy that can stand tall in the pocket and has the arm to make all the throws,' the personnel man added. Winston fits that same description, which is why if Tampa Bay selects Mariota, Tennessee's positional outlook at quarterback could change quickly. If Winston is available, he'd be a hard player to pass on, despite Mettenberger being in the mix.
"If Winston winds up as the first pick in the draft, the decision takes on a new level of intrigue: Mariota was not asked to play extensively from the pocket as a dropback passer. But can he? That's what Tennessee would have to project."
Leonard Williams?
If Mariota is the only QB option at No. 2 and the Titans aren't sold on him, what then? Well, Tennessee could keep the pick and select USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Williams is considered by many, including ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr., to be the top overall prospect in the entire draft class. He's big, explosive and can play either the tackle or end position. Basically, Williams is going to be wreaking havoc in opposing back fields for a long time.
Trade Down?
But if the Titans decide they want to pick up some extra draft capital, they could always trade the No. 2 pick. A handful of teams - the Jets, Bears, Rams, Eagles and Texans - have been rumored to be interested in trading up for a quarterback.
"The Rams scored a major haul back in 2012 for the second pick in a similar situation, netting three first-round choices and a second-rounder from Washington," Yates added. "Would that be the starting point on a package this year?"
Although the Rams are still without a franchise signal-caller, that 2012 trade helped them build a young and talented core that has the NFC West worried.
The Titans have a plethora of options on the table, all fit with their own set of benefits. How the team weighs those benefits and what course of action they believe will help their team the most is anyone's guess at this point.
