The San Diego Chargers have emerged as a potential target for Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL draft, as some in the media have speculated that the team could trade Philip Rivers in a bid to move up for Mariota and this comes as the NY Jets, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins could be interested in trying to acquire the number two pick from the Tennessee Titans.
The Chargers have Rivers coming into the final year of his deal and while that doesn't mean the team will trade the quarterback, it's something they could consider. According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, there is speculation that the Chargers "serious about acquiring Mariota", as they do not have a current replacement for Rivers on the roster. While the interest in Mariota doesn't mean that Rivers will be traded, he could be a useful chip if the team wants to move up to the number two pick.
The Tennessee Titans have a need at quarterback and CBS Sports writer Will Brinson predicted in his latest mock draft that the Chargers could be a trade partner. Brinson writes that the team could look at moving Rivers and their first round pick at number 17 to get to the number two spot to take Mariota. San Diego Chargers beat reporter Kevin Acee writes that the Chargers see Mariota as a strong fit for Mike McCoy's offense.
Acee adds that Rivers is coming into the final year of his deal and a potential move to Los Angeles on the horizon, it could be time for the team to invest in a new franchise quarterback. The speculation about Mariota has been running wild due to the fact that Jameis Winston is considered to be the consensus number one pick for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is not likely trading the pick, which makes Mariota the next best target for teams looking for a quarterback in the draft.
According to ESPN.com writer Phil Sheridan, the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the teams that could look at trading up for Mariota, while the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Saints and Chargers have also been mentioned as possibilities. Chip Kelly already made one significant move for a quarterback by acquiring Sam Bradford, but that has not stopped speculation that he could trade up for Mariota. Kelly coached Mariota in college, but the head coach said to the media that he will not "mortgage the future" for one pick.
According to ESPN.com, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said that the team is not looking to trader Rivers and that he hopes the quarterback "retires" with the organization. Even with those quotes, the media will speculate about Rivers' future, as he is coming into the final year of his deal and has spoken about being uneasy about a potential move to Los Angeles.
Mariota is coming into the draft after putting up some fantastic numbers last season while winning the Heisman Trophy. Last year Mariota threw for 42 touchdowns and just four interceptions while competing over 68 percent of his passes. Mariota has thrown just eight interceptions in the last two seasons and had only 14 in his three year college career. Mariota is a mobile player and he could be a strong fit for the Chargers if they decide to make the move.
