Two Rd. NFL Mock Draft: QB and His Weapons Version

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

A pick that we believe will be more and more possible as the NFL Draft draws closer is the Browns selection of Marcus Mariota. Mariota is not a finished product, is coming out of a system that is not pro style and has some work to do on his game. With the demand on coaches to win right away or get fired, QBs who need a year to develop have been pushed down the board recently while QBs who have a low ceiling but can start right away have been bumped up. Even recently an article that was scouting Brett Hundley, great article that you can read here, wrote this:

"The separation between Hundley and Marcus Mariota is not as big as some believe, and may be flip-flopped by draft time."

Our prediction of Mariota falling seems more and more likely as time goes on. That leaves him falling to the Browns here at #12 and Farmer and Pettine get the QB that many believe they wanted last year. Mariota seems like the best chance for the Browns to find their QB of the Future, even though they say it is too early to give up on Manziel. With Manziel they have no idea what they will get but if both Manziel and Mariota find their way the Browns could have a strong trade asset in a year.

Mariota has the ability to get outside the pocket, has a frame that will get bigger as he ages and develops within a pro setting. Unlike Hundely, Mariota already has good to great accuracy and pocket presence, two of the most difficult things to develop at the NFL level. While he isn’t a perfect prospect, his raw base and work ethic will take him far if put in a good environment to grow. John DeFillipo has been a QB Coach for years and Mariota’s current mentor/trainer Kevin O’Connell will be the Browns QB Coach soon, they create a great environment for Mariota to develop.

The Browns are likely to seek a veteran QB this off-season, whether they sign Mariota or not. Whether it is Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett or another, a veteran presence starting next year in front of Manziel and/or Mariota is likely the best thing for the Browns and the development of the QB.

Next: Now For Mariota's Weapon at #19