McShay, others speculate Rams might be interested in Mariota

This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 7 months ago by InvaderRam.

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March 27, 2015 at 6:44 pm #21652

zn
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Todd McShay discusses the teams that could be interested in drafting quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL draft.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:12568950

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Foles may just be a stopgap in St. Louis

by Michael David Smith

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/27/foles-may-just-be-a-stopgap-in-st-louis/

The Rams like Nick Foles enough that they turned down at least one offer of a first-round draft pick for Sam Bradford, and traded for Foles instead. But the Rams may not like Foles enough to keep him around beyond this year.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher says the Rams plan to draft a quarterback this year, and the presence of Foles doesn’t change that.

“It’s our intention to draft one,” Fisher said, via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “The Nick trade has no bearing over what we do in the draft.”

But which quarterback will they draft? Florida State’s Jameis Winston seems to be going to Tampa Bay with the first overall pick, and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota will almost certainly be off the board when the Rams pick at No. 10. Would the Rams move up for Mariota? To hear Fisher talk about Winston and Mariota, they’re two players who are worth trading up to draft.

“They’re unique; they’re rare,” Fisher said. “They’ve clearly proven they can win games. Marcus obviously is a little bit more mobile than Winston is. But Winston makes all of the throws. They’re both very impressive to watch.”

Realistically, the Rams probably aren’t going to be able to draft either Winston or Mariota. But a quarterback like Baylor’s Bryce Petty, UCLA’s Brett Hundley or Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson could make sense in the second round. And Foles could make sense as a one-year starter who holds onto the job just until a second-round quarterback is ready to take over.

Which means Foles, who is heading into the final season of his contract, may be changing teams again at this time next year.

March 28, 2015 at 11:54 pm #21707

JackPMiller
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Mariota does not fit. He is a spread QB like Sam Bradford. How about Brett Hundley in round 2? UCLA/LA connection? It looks like the Rams may be moving back to LA. Just a thought.

March 29, 2015 at 8:50 am #21714

Hram
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Jack, Mariota played in a spread in college and, imo, would best be served by a redshirt year, but I disagree that he is a spread QB. I also do not think that if Bradford had been able to stay healthy that we’d be talking about him as a “spread” QB. Compare Bradfords rookie numbers to most rookie QBs even those that became elite. They match up very well.

Mariota is bright, dedicated, a very hard worker and the consumate teammate. He also likes to win. He has a lively enough arm, throws pretty accurately on the move while keeping his eyes downfield and has great escapability. I have little doubt he will become comfortable taking snaps and being a pocket passer if that is what is asked of him. He work ethic is on the high end.

Whether he will make it is another thing because there are so many intangibles that go into QBing in the NFL. But Mariota does have an awful lot of intangibles going for him. 🙂

March 29, 2015 at 10:31 am #21716

nittany ram
Moderator

zn wrote:

Realistically, the Rams probably aren’t going to be able to draft either Winston or Mariota. But a quarterback like Baylor’s Bryce Petty, UCLA’s Brett Hundley or Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson could make sense in the second round. And Foles could make sense as a one-year starter who holds onto the job just until a second-round quarterback is ready to take over.

Which means Foles, who is heading into the final season of his contract, may be changing teams again at this time next year.

If the Rams fix the oline, I think Foles is going to have a very good year in this offense. He’s going to be more than just a bridge from Bradford to Petty or Hundley. I think he could be hard to unseat and give Rams management some tough choices to make.

March 29, 2015 at 12:00 pm #21717

InvaderRam
Moderator

i agree. i’m feeling pretty positive about foles right now. i think they do need to improve the running game as well but yeah. if they can fix the oline. foles should exceed expectations.

March 29, 2015 at 6:21 pm #21722

rfl
Participant

A factor to consider is the next few years.

They get 1 cheap year from Foles. Now, suppose he sux. OK, drop him. But then, you need a QB. A vet will be expensive.

Now suppose he has a good year. Re-signing him will be expensive.

In either case, it’s really desirable to draft a promising young QB THIS YEAR. Give us the opportunity of an affordable option for next year.

I’d love to see the Rams draft a young stud with good feet.

Remember–there’s a damn good chance our OL will suck again this year. An athletic guy with escapability would be a damn good thing.

It is after all the SEA model.

By virtue of the absurd ...

March 29, 2015 at 7:32 pm #21724

InvaderRam
Moderator

i’m curious as to what the rams think about hundley. as far as measurables go he’s about as ideal as you can get. you just wonder about the mental aspect.
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