The Cleveland Browns reportedly "covet" Oregon Ducks quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota, and seem to have already given up on the Johnny Manziel era. According to NFL.com, the Browns are interested in moving up to the No. 5 pick where the Washington Redskins are.
Mariota has become the biggest story of the pre-draft process because so many teams have shown interest in him, and because the Tennessee Titans haven't betrayed their intentions with the No. 2 pick. They've stated they believe in 2014 fifth-rounder Zach Mettenberger, but haven't indicated they wouldn't select Mariota.
One logical fit would be the Philadelphia Eagles. Chip Kelly recruited Mariota at Oregon, and is still running mostly the same system. That would enable the rookie to step in right away, rather than struggle with the adjustments many NFL scouts believe he'll need to make. Per NJ.com, the Eagles are mulling a deal to acquire Cleveland's No. 19 pick for Sam Bradford, then flip Nos. 19 and 20, plus defensive end Fletcher Cox and linebacker Mychal Kendricks for the No. 2 pick.
The San Diego Chargers could be in the mix, since veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has been prickly in refusing to sign an extension. Rumors are swirling that they're working to deal Rivers to Tennessee in a package that would net them the No.2 pick.
The New York Jets are also in play, having re-tooled their secondary and added wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the mix.
These moves are impossible to predict, because some hinge on the others. If Cleveland pulls off a deal with Washington for No. 5, then that shoots down Philadelphia's plot. However, Cleveland may not want to move up to No. 5 until they're certain Mariota doesn't get picked ahead of them. No team has a better asset right now than Philip Rivers, but at 33 do the Titans want to commit to him long-term over a promising rookie, or a second-year man in Mettenberger?
If the Browns are willing to trade their two 2015 first-rounders, as reported, it would seem they have the goods to simply move all the way up to No. 2 and deal directly with Tennessee. Thursday should be a fun Day 1.
[NFL.com]
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