Getty Images
With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota in a move that is going to pay major dividends for the franchise. For the first time in a while, the Titans have a quarterback who can be a legitimate franchise player. Mariota is going to a great situation in Tennessee, and I fully expect him to become an upper-echelon quarterback for the Titans.
Finally, the Titans have given themselves an identity. Mariota is going to step right in and be the face of the franchise for years to come. Ken Whisenhunt is going to do everything possible to allow Mariota to feel comfortable right away running the Titans offense, and with weapons like Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter and Delanie Walker, as well as a very solid offensive line, Mariota should be able to come right in and be the Titans’ starter.
Despite the promise that Zach Mettenberger showed last year, it’s clear the Titans are getting an upgrade with this pick. Mariota has all the tools needed in a quarterback, and his transition to the next level is going to be much smoother than some people are predicting. His athletic ability, combined with his football intelligence and passion for the game will allow Mariota to succeed as an NFL quarterback. Not to mention, for all of the criticism he received for playing in a spread offense while at Oregon, Mariota is actually much further ahead than many other young quarterbacks when it comes to staying calm in the pocket and going through his progressions. Sure, there will be a bit of an adjustment period for Mariota as he learns to takes snap from under center, but he should be able to learn quickly under Whisenhunt’s tutelage.
Overall, the Titans finally secured a franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota. This pick gives the team an offensive identity and someone to build around going into the future. In a few years, we will look back on this pick and praise Tennessee for picking up a player as talented as Mariota.
