Marcus Mariota has officially announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft. This comes as no surprise considering the Oregon quarterback was the best player in 2014, earning himself a number of awards including the Heisman trophy. This has caused most NFL analysts to rank Mariota as the best player entering the NFL this season, likely to be taken No. 1 overall. With a number of NFL teams in need of a quarterback upgrade, will there be a bidding war to acquire that top draft pick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Mariota announced on Wednesday that he would forego his final year of NCAA eligibility and enter the NFL. There was some speculation that the Oregon quarterback would be returning for his final season after the Ducks fell to Ohio State in the national championship game. Mariota admitted that there was a bitter taste in his mouth after that game and he had a lot to think about regarding his future. However, if Matt Barkley has taught players anything, it is to leave when their stock is at its highest and Mariota is following that model.
"After meeting with my family I have decided to forgo my final year of eligibility and apply for the 2015 NFL draft," Mariota said in a released statement via ESPN.com. "My four years at the University of Oregon have been an awesome experience. I cannot thank Coach Kelly, Coach Helfrich, Coach Frost, the rest of the Oregon coaches and the support staff enough for molding me as a person, player and student-athlete. The support I received from the university, the city of Eugene and Duck fans has been tremendous. I will always remember the great times and support I received. Once a Duck always a Duck."
Now the question becomes who gets the quarterback in April? ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has the Buccaneers taking Mariota. The team did not like their rotation of Josh McCown and Mike Glennon and head coach Lovie Smith is eyeing bringing in his own guy to develop. However, a number of other teams have Mariota as their type priority and Smith could sell the pick to the highest bidder.
Both the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns like what they see in the Oregon quarterback, but would have to make a jump to get him. The move would not cost the Jets that much as they currently have a top-ten draft pick. They need to replace Geno Smith and Michael Vick. The Browns could package their two first-round picks for the top one and replace Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer. Do not rule out the Philadelphia Eagles and Mariota's former coach Chip Kelly from the race either.
The issue is that this quarterback draft is not as deep as last years. Jameis Winston is the other big name while guys like Brett Hundley, Garrett Grayson and Bryce Petty come with question marks. That leaves a number of teams battling it out for the top two picks.
