First, in regards to why didnt this trade go down earlier if it indeed is legit, well, for starters theres no knowing for sure what Tampa is gonig to do at 1. Also both teams may have wanted a little more time to do their homework. so perhaps both teams are waiting until draft day to make the trade.
As for Mariota as a prospect, Im conflicted, on one hand Qbs without a pro style background scare the hell out of me, but on the other Mariota was at least asked to occasionally go through progressions and play from the pocket and when asked to do so displayed the ability to do just that. His pocket awareness and mechanics are actually pretty damn good. Though at times he did miss reads and had issues with deep accuracy.
When all is said and done I think threre is enough talent and potential there to take the risk, especially since we know cutler isnt the answer, and even if Mariota ended up busting at least theyll have made the commitment to move on and address the position. And if youre going to take Mariota at 7, taking him at two isnt any different if all it takes to swap picks is giving up cutler. thats a very cheap price to pay to draft the potential future at the position.
