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The second pick of our Big Blue View Community Mock Draft is in, and the second QB is off the board.
The Pick
GM: Cruuz
Pick - Marcus Mariota, quarterback, Oregon
Explanation
Although the Titans would love to take Leonard Williams here, Mariota is a much better pick. Zach Mettenberger was a late round pick, and he is most likely not the answer. Mariota would add a dual-threat element to the Titan's offense, and he could be the weapon they are lacking. Also, Jurrell Casey is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the league, so not picking Williams wouldn't be as bad as some would think. Picking Mariota would change the offense from boring to scary overnight. That's something you don't pass up on.
Must Reads
Raptor's Thoughts
This is the first real wildcard pick of the draft. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the two quarterbacks went back to back, though it might not be the Tennessee Titans who select the second quarterback. I can't say I can argue with the pick either. Mettenberger was coming off a torn ACL in 2014, but if you can upgrade your roster with a true franchise QB, you do so.
Mariota automatically makes the Titans' offense more dangerous, both through the air and on the ground. There isn't a doubt in my mind that he can eventually thrive in a Pro offense. The question is "how long?" until he reaches that point, but if Tennessee's offensive coordinator Jason Michael is mentally flexible enough to scheme to Mariota's strengths from the start, it might not matter.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are officially on The Clock.
All The Picks
No. 1 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) -- Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State [Full story]
No. 2 (Tennessee Titans) -- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon