NFL Draft: How Marcus Mariota Could Affect The Detroit Lions Pick
By Tony Fischer
The Detroit Lions may have to rework their draft board and its all Marcus Mariota’s fault. An article on SI.com says that the Browns have made an offer to the Tennessee Titans for the number 2 overall pick. The package would include both of Cleveland two first rounds picks.
But Titans beat writer and NFL analyst Paul Kuharsky reported later that the Browns have yet to make an offer.
#Titans source: #Browns have not made an offer for No. 2.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) April 29, 2015
It may be true that the Browns haven’t made an offical offer but there may be talks on the matter. A point conceded by Kuharsky during an interview on the Dan Patrick Show.
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All this speculation is being fueled by the notion that Tennessee is not sold on Marcus Mariota and would much rather have a receiver like Amari Cooper. During his interview on the Dan Patrick Show, Kuharsky speculated that if the right trade opportunity fails to present itself then the titans may pass on Mariota in favor of a player they fell could be a better fit.
If the #2 overall pick is someone other than Marcus Mariota, it could throw the entire draft into chaos. A Mariota slide could drastically change the players available at #23 and cause the Lions to rework their draft board.
It is unlikely that Mariota will drop to #23 but the longer he is on the board the more unpredictable the draft will become as team consider the prospect of letting a Heisman trophy winner slide by. That could be negative for the Lions as some of the offensive line prospects they were hoping would be available late in the opening round might be off the board.
On the other hand if the Browns are crazy enough to trade for #2 and draft yet another quarterback. That will give the Tennessee Titans the 12th and 19th overall picks. That could be detrimental to the Lions as the teams have similar roster needs.
Whatever happens at number 2 will have an effect the entire draft. Whether that benefits the Lions or not is the big question.