NFL News: Philadelphia Eagles Will Try To Move Up In Draft Aiming For Marcus Mariota
The Philadelphia Eagles are trying to move up in the 2015 NFL Draft to select Marcus Mariota but will need to do a lot of work as they only have the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and the college star quarterback is expected to be among the top five picks in the annual rookie selection. Mariota played under Chip Kelly, who is now the head coach of the Eagles, with the Oregon Ducks in his rookie and sophomore seasons and the connection is one of the reasons why the Philly team is being linked to the Heisman Trophy winner.
"From No. 20, it's certainly not going to be easy,'' An unnamed source said about the Philadelphia plan from an article on nj.com. ”It's probably going to take moving up twice to do it. There's going to be some wheeling and dealing involved.''
Mariota was already asked the possibility of him playing in Philly under former coach Kelly and the star quarterback was excited if it happens.
"Obviously, [with] my relationship with Coach Kelly, it'd be a lot of fun to be a part of that offense and be a part of that team," Mariota said. Mariota will will forgo his senior season with the Oregon Ducks to go pro and join the draft where he is projected to be among the top picks if not the number one draft pick in the annual rookie selection in 2015.
"After meeting with my family I have decided to forgo my final year of eligibility and apply for the 2015 NFL draft," Mariota stated in an official statement to announce the move in going pro. "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.”
Mariota announced his decision to go pro after the the Ducks lost to Ohio State, 42-20 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. In his career with Oregon, Mariota led his team to 36-5 record with a national title game appearance.
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