NFL Philadelphia Eagles

5 Reasons Why Philadelphia Eagles Would Be Crazy To Draft Marcus Mariota

5 Reasons Why Philadelphia Eagles Would Be Crazy To Draft Marcus Mariota

National Championship - Oregon v Ohio State
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Speculation is beginning to pick up that the Philadelphia Eagles could trade up to the No. 1 overall pick in order to select quarterback Marcus Mariota. He has experience playing for Chip Kelly at Oregon and the duo may be able to do big things in the NFL. However, for these five reasons, it makes no sense for the Eagles to take Mariota in the draft.

5. He Isn't Ready To Compete Right Away

Stanford v Oregon
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5. He Isn't Ready To Compete Right Away

Stanford v Oregon
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Most rookies, especially quarterbacks, either don't start their first season, or they play for a bad team without much pressure. The pressure would be on Mariota right away in Philadelphia, which wouldn't be fair to him or the Eagles.

4. His Skill Set Doesn't Make Him A Sure-Fire Star

Stanford v Oregon
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4. His Skill Set Doesn't Make Him A Sure-Fire Star

Stanford v Oregon
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Mariota was a great college quarterback -- nobody is going to argue that. However, there have been plenty of great college quarterbacks who flopped in the pros. Only time will tell if his game translates at the next level, but his trouble with throwing the ball out of the pocket could be a problem in the NFL.

3. Nick Foles Is Serviceable For Now

Philadelphia Eagles v Houston Texans
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3. Nick Foles Is Serviceable For Now

Philadelphia Eagles v Houston Texans
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Nick Foles probably isn't the quarterback of the future in Philadelphia, but he can still be plugged into Chip Kelly's system and produce. With an improved defense, the Eagles could still easily be a playoff team with Foles at the helm. In this scenario, they'd be able to devote draft picks to other positions.

2. Draft Compensation Would Be Huge

2014 NFL Draft
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2. Draft Compensation Would Be Huge

2014 NFL Draft
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If the Eagles were to trade up to get the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, they would have to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers their first-round pick, and likely either a second or third round pick as well. That is far too big a price to pay for Mariota, who is far from a sure thing.

1. It Isn't Their Biggest Positional Need

Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants
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1. It Isn't Their Biggest Positional Need

Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants
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The Eagles need to be focusing on their secondary, which gave up the second-most yards through the air in the league last season. While Mariota has the potential to be an above-average quarterback, taking either a safety or cornerback in the draft would be a much smarter move.

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