Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota has entered the draft. In a conference call with reporters, Mariota addressed the possibility of playing for the man who recruited him to Eugene.
“Obviously my relationship with Coach [Chip] Kelly, it’d be a lot of fun to be a part of that offense and be a part of that team,” Mariota said, via Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. “ But for me, any team that wants me to be part of their club, I’m all for it. Whatever happens, happens, and I’m looking forward to the process.”
The Eagles hold the 20th overall pick in the draft. It would cost a lot to trade all the way up to No. 1, but Kelly now has full control over the talent-acquisition process -- and a strong belief that the draft is a crapshoot. If he believes Mariota is the real thing, Kelly will at least consider moving up . . . especially if the pre-draft process and the aftermath of the national championship game causes Mariota to slide past No. 1.
