Chip Kelly is doing nothing to downplay his interest in Marcus Mariota. The former Oregon coach continues to rave about his former quarterback and how he is the best player in the NFL Draft this year. After making a big move to get Sam Bradford, Kelly continues to fuel the rumors that he is truly interested in acquiring Mariota in the NFL Draft as word continues to get out about his praise for the incoming rookie.
Kelly has told the media the Eagles will not be wagering their draft on one player. The head coach has made it clear he does not like the idea of selling the farm in order to get the former Oregon quarterback under center. However, speculation is running wild that Kelly really is looking to trade up. First, the coach called Mariota the best player in the draft. Now, according to Philly Mag, Kelly is claiming Mariota will win a lot of Super Bowls in his years in the NFL. Now it remains to be seen if that is with the Eagles or someone else.
According to ESPN's Ron Jaworski, several teams are eyeing Mariota including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meaning the cost to trade up is high. The Tennessee Titans could take him at No. 2. The Chicago Bears are offering Jay Cutler and a draft pick. The Cleveland Browns have two first-round picks to give. Unless the Philadelphia Eagles offered Bradford or Sanchez, they lack the ammunition to get a deal for Mariota done.
Right now, all signs point to the Eagles retaining Bradford for the season. According the Dawg Pound Nation, the reports of a trade for Johnny Manziel are simply untrue. The Eagles have no interest in giving up Bradford for Manziel in a move that would not help them get Mariota. Instead, the Eagles will move forward with Bradford and Sanchez, while potentially eyeing a wide receiver in the draft instead.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles are eyeing DeVante Parker, Jaelen Strong and Phillip Dorsett in the draft. The team has yet to replace Jeremy Maclin in the offense and can not get by with just Jordan Matthews and Riley Cooper. That will not work to make the team successful. Drafting a wide receiver could be a bigger need than acquiring a quarterback.