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NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets Select Marcus Mariota Sixth Overall

By Kenneth Teape

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NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. Once Again Has New York Jets Landing Oregon’s Marcus Mariota

The New York Jets have an important offseason staring them in the face, as it will be the first one of the Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles era. No player is safe, as they are sure to start turning the roster over right away from the last regime. The one thing a new regime usually tries to do is put a quarterback in place they think can be the face of their franchise. In the latest mock draft from Mel Kiper Jr., he projects just that, as he again has Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota going sixth to the Jets.

This is the second consecutive mock draft that Kiper has Mariota falling to the Jets, as they have been in the market for a quarterback for multiple seasons. Mariota has all of the tangibles you would look for in a franchise quarterback. He has the ideal size to succeed at the next level, coupled with elite athleticism for the position. Even with all of the tools, he is a relentless worker, setting a good example at Oregon for how things should be done. He isn’t a rah rah vocal leader, but his actions speak loud enough.

He developed well at Oregon, showcasing the work ethic he possesses. He improved immensely in his mechanics, and has a chance to shake the notion that he only succeeded in college because of an offense many people feel are gimmicky. He didn’t run a ‘pro style’ offense at Oregon, which some people will use against him, but the stats speak for themselves. Throwing for 4,454 yards and 42 touchdowns is impressive no matter what offense it is being done in.

What could be the most impressive thing about Mariota as a quarterback is his athleticism and speed he has. His ability to run could give the Jets offense an added dimension that opposing defenses will have to worry about on a weekly basis. When you have to account for a quarterback’s legs and not just his arm, it could make for some tough personnel decisions. The Jets would have a weekly advantage with a quarterback with the skillset such as Mariota’s. At Oregon, Mariota rushed 202 times for 1,467 yards and 14 touchdowns; imagine having that at your disposal to deploy in a weekly basis.

Mariota has as high a ceiling, and would be someone the Jets would love to have in their locker room. It is something the Jets could use to their advantage without even selecting Mariota to be their quarterback. There is no guarantee that Mariota will be there at six for the Jets, as the Tennessee Titans could select Mariota as well, but if he is the Jets should call the Philadelphia Eagles and hold them ransom for Mariota.

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It is no secret that the Eagles and Chip Kelly are enamored with Mariota. Kelly coached Mariota at Oregon prior to accepting the job with the Eagles, and would love for nothing more than to coach him again at the next level. With Kelly running the show they have shown they aren’t afraid to make a big move. Getting Mariota would categorize as a big move, and the Jets should take advantage of it.

Mariota being mocked to the Jets is a win in every type of way. Having him on the team would undoubtedly improve their outlook, but possibly being able to trade back with a team such as the Eagles could set the Jets up for multiple drafts down the road for what they could receive as compensation for the sixth pick. Mariota being there at six for the Jets would put them in a great situation; either they have a chance at selecting their franchise quarterback, or will receive a haul in exchange for it.

Next: New York Jets Top 10 First Round Draft Picks Of All-Time

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