Suupose this happens. The Eagles sacrifice some depth and talent, but that's OK, because Chip finally has "his" QB.
We'll assume the best case scenario: Mariota plays very well for the first six games, and the Eagles' offense looks like an unstoppable juggernaut.
And then...
Now let's assume the worst-case scenario: Mariota's throwing shoulder is messed up so badly that he never plays football again.
Was it really worthwhile to give up several picks, a known quarterback, and possibly a premier defensive player or two to get a few great games out of Mariota?
Chip Kelly is smarter than that. He knows better: he said so himself. And I believe him.
Kelly just invested lots of money in 2015 free agency, and lots of draft picks in 2014, into the defense. Why would he build up the defense--and then gut it by trading away some of the defense's best players, plus draft picks that could yield even more top players?
It's been noted that Kelly's scheme can make quick-thinking quarterbacks perform better than they have before (check out that jump in completion percentage! The hike in QB rating isn't bad, either).
He has Sam Bradford, who is careful with the football, throws well, and was a lot better than the rest of the Rams' offense. I think Chip Kelly loves Bradford. He isn't going to give up Bradford, who has NFL experience and the skills of a top QB, plus a bunch of other picks and players, just for one person.
Kelly has faith in his scheme to make Bradford look better than he ever has. As long as Bradford stays on the field, he'll look like Joe Montana or Tom Brady in the Eagles' offense. Bradford is smart, decisive, and can make quick throws when the situation calls for it--all traits that are conducive to success in Kelly's scheme.
The final knife in the heart of all the Mariota trade speculation is the sheer difficulty of moving up from pick 20 to pick 2. Both teams have to agree on the value before a trade occurs. And since teams other than the Eagles (teams with higher draft picks!) are reportedly trying to move up for Mariota as well, they may simply have more attractive offers to put on the table.
And, of course, Tampa Bay may select him at #1, which would make any talk of a trade with the Titans moot.
Articles speculating on how the Eagles can move up to pick #2 to get Mariota may get more clicks and more engagement from fans, but ultimately, there's just too much standing in the way for it to happen outside the brain of football writers (like the ones who think the Eagles will trade Fletcher Cox).
Are the Eagles inquiring about how to make it happen? Yes, I think they are. But will it actually happen?
I'm calling it now: the Eagles will not draft Marcus Mariota at #2. Nor should they, if they want to build a championship team.
The speculation doesn't make sense. And if it doesn't make sense, it's not true--especially when it comes to the NFL draft.
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