With the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft just a week away, rumors and speculation are surely heating up, especially in regards to the highly praised Jameis Winston out of Florida State University, and Marcus Mariota out of the University of Oregon.
There are differing views around the league where Mariota will land. Some believe the San Diego Chargers are significant players, as the Tennessee Titans, who hold the number two pick, are rumored to be interested in five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Phillip Rivers.
Perhaps the most intriguing rumor traveling amongst football scribes is the potential reunion between Mariota and the Eagles' Chip Kelly, who coached the Honolulu, Hawaii-native at Oregon for two seasons (2011-2012).
The Oregonian columnist John Canzano had the following to say Wednesday, via Twitter, regarding the Kelly-Mariota tandem possibly reuniting in Philadelphia next season:
Covered Chip Kelly long enough to know he gets what he wants. And we all know what he wants in the draft.
He’ll get it done. Only question is what it will ultimately cost him. He doesn’t leave draft without Mariota.
While there have been endless trade scenarios regarding teams moving up in the draft to acquire Mariota, it has always been assumed that Winston will most definitely be selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wednesday evening, an interesting variable was thrown into the mix regarding Winston which, if true, could complicate the pursuit of Mariota by the Eagles and others.
Bleacher Report NFL Columnist, Mike Freeman, writes:
A Buccaneers source tells me the team's phone is "ringing off the hook" with teams calling about the possibility of trading up.
Now, I know this leak is self-serving. The Buccaneers want the impression out there that a number of teams want the top pick, thus possibly driving up the market value. But I trust this person wholeheartedly and believe it.
This is also an indicator of something else. Teams are reverting back to the theory that you draft a player who will help you win, no matter the player's baggage.
If Tampa Bay trades their pick, Winston still may be selected first overall, however it is not a guarantee considering his controversial, off-the-field issues. Thus, Mariota could be off the board before teams even get the chance to finalize talks with the Titans.
Nothing is a given at this point in the offseason, and rumors will continue to swirl until NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reads off Winton and Mariota's names next Thursday evening in Chicago, Illinois.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is a contributor to Eagledelphia.com.
