Marcus Mariota (8) may be the top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterback Marcus Mariota visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, days after general manager Jason Licht led a three-man contingent to Eugene, Ore., for the Heisman Trophy winner’s pro day.
Mariota follows Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston through team headquarters at One Buc Place. The two passers are the favorites to be drafted with the first overall pick April 30, and Winston is the presumptive leader in the clubhouse.
Mariota ran a spread system at Oregon and admittedly is behind in some pro-style basics. At the Scouting Combine in February, Mariota said he hadn’t “huddled in a while” and said play calls were similarly foreign.
The visit comes on the same day as reports that Winston might be leaning toward watching the draft in the company of friends, family and supporters in Alabama. His father said that decision isn’t yet final, and the Buccaneers would likely want their top pick on display if Licht chooses Winston.
The quarterback top in Tampa is open following the February 12 release of starter Josh McCown. Head coach Lovie Smith said last month that he’s more than willing to enter the season with third-year pro Mike Glennon behind center.
While the identity of his quarterback isn’t certain, the Buccaneers still have work to do at other positions. If Mariota isn’t deemed ready to contribute immediately, the Buccaneers could put the pick up for sale, hoping a team is willing to part with valuable assets — pro talent and draft picks — to secure a franchise quarterback.
Of teams in the top 10 picks, the Buccaneers, Titans (second overall), Redskins (fifth), Jets (sixth) and Bears (seventh) are reportedly considering a quarterback. The Eagles could take a quarterback, but coach Chip Kelly said last week the rampant reports of Philadelphia moving up from the 20th overall selection to grab Mariota, who was recruited by Kelly and played for him at Oregon, were without merit.
