In October, a Tennessee Titans fan started a “Suck for the Duck” campaign on Twitter. Now, Marcus Mariota is heading to Nashville.
The former Oregon quarterback was selected Thursday night by the Tennessee Titans with the second overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
Mariota, a 6-foot-4 quarterback from Honolulu, Hawaii, became the first player in Oregon history to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy after leading Oregon to a National Championship appearance in 2014. He threw for 4,454 yards and 42 touchdowns in contrast to four interceptions for the Ducks this year. Mariota also ran for 770 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Mariota was taken after former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mariota was at home in Hawaii to watch the NFL Draft.
Here’s a pre-draft analysis of Mariota from NFL.com:
Mariota’s strengths: “Has balance and feet to escape collapsing pocket and will look to strike through the air rather than just bolting as a runner. Size, speed and enough skill to eat in the red zone. Considered extremely coachable by scouts, who also love his willingness to play hurt. Very humble and leads by example. Family and heritage are extremely important to him.”
Mariota’s weaknesses: “Benefits from an offense that is predicated on simplified reads. Offense able to create wide-open receivers after busted coverages at times. Needs to improve resetting feet when maneuvering pocket to improve accuracy and power. Tends to “see” pass rush too often. Will drop eyes and look to escape pocket rather than stepping to available pocket space. Frequent trips outside pocket increase opportunity for injury. Pocket feel is very average.”
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt