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5 Reasons Why Philadelphia Eagles Should Go Big For Oregon’s Marcus Mariota

5 Reasons Why Philadelphia Eagles Should Go Big For Oregon’s Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota,
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If there was ever a win-win deal ahead of the 2015 NFL Draft, it is a proposed blockbuster trade between the Eagles and Buccaneers for the top pick. In my proposed scenario, Philly would deal at least three No. 1 draft choices for that pick, which would become Marcus Mariota. Even if the Eagles have to throw in Pro Bowl players like Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy, they should make the deal. Here are five reasons why.

5. Eagles Are Draft-Challenged

Marcus Smith, Philadelphia Eagles,
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5. Eagles Are Draft-Challenged

Marcus Smith, Philadelphia Eagles,
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For those who argue that the Eagles should spend their draft choices on defense, Marcus Smith is exhibit A as to why they should not. Smith is the first-round bust the Eagles wasted their most precious pick on last season. This time they should make a play for a sure Marcus and fix the defense with free agents.

4. Nick Foles Fits Tampa Bay

Nick Foles, Pro Bowl,
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4. Nick Foles Fits Tampa Bay

Nick Foles, pro bowl,
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New Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is a master of the pro set offense, and Foles is a classic dropback passer who fits that system a lot better than Mariota, who is more suited for Chip Kelly’s uptempo system. Plus, Tampa Bay fans can be sold on a “sure thing” in Foles, someone who was good enough to make and star in the Pro Bowl in his first full season.

3. Validates the Chip Kelly Hire

Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles,
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3. Validates the Chip Kelly Hire

Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles,
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The reason owner Jeffrey Lurie brought Kelly to Philadelphia was to introduce to the NFL Kelly’s innovative read-option offense. To run it effectively, however, the Eagles have to have a quarterback who at least commands the respect of defenses as part of a run option read. With Foles and Mark Sanchez, that element has not been available. Getting Mariota would validate the Kelly hire.

2. No. 1 Picks Won’t Be That Good Anyway

NFL draft room,
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2. No. 1 Picks Won’t Be That Good Anyway

NFL draft room,
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Three No. 1 draft choices plus Pro Bowlers Foles and McCoy seem like a high price, but if Mariota takes the Eagles to the Promised Land as expected, those three choices will be near the bottom of the draft board, somewhat softening the blow.

1. Kelly Loves Mariota

Chip Kelly, Marcus Mariota,
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1. Kelly Loves Mariota

Chip Kelly, Marcus Mariota,
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Turnovers plagued the Eagles in 2014, but that would not be a problem with Mariota because he has a 40-3 touchdown-interception ratio over the last four football months of the 2014 calendar. Kelly has said before that “if you can buy stock in a human being, you buy stock in that kid.” Kelly is buying and Tampa would be wise to listen.

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