Sticky: Draft Craziness Running Commentary
The Draft
10:21 p.m.: Eagles draft Nelson Agholor– a wide receiver who compares to Jeremy Maclin (and much cheaper). I’ll take it.
8:54 p.m.: Being a Philly sports fan:
8:52 p.m.: Jeff Darlington: Titans GM Ruston Webster: “We’re not trading him.” …Sorry, Chip. Looks like it’s time to accept this reality.
8:36 p.m.: Need a beer. Several.
8:31 p.m.: I mean, how does this get done? The Eagles reportedly already offered two number ones, a three, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Boykin, Mychal Kendricks and potentially Sam Bradford. If that doesn’t get him, what does?
8:26 p.m.: Do the Eagles still try to trade for him? Probably. But if the Titans didn’t take that MASSIVE offer, not sure what it’ll take now unless someone Titans really want is still available when Eagles can pick. This is not good.
8:21 p.m.: Goodell screws up his name. Amazing.
8:18 p.m.:
8:17 p.m.: Shit.
8:16 p.m.: Titans taking Mariota.
8:14 p.m.: Jeff Darlington says they’re not trading the pick.
8:13 p.m.: This is it.
8:06 p.m.: Goodell totally did that outside so the boos weren’t as noticeable.
8:05 p.m.: Rapppppppports that the Eagles threw Same Bradford into that deal, too. Still didn’t work.
8:01 p.m.: La Canfora says the trade can still happen AFTER the Titans take Mariota.
Thursday
8:00 p.m.: And that can’t get it done? We’ll see.
7:57 p.m.: Rappppppppporporting that the Eagles are offering two number ones, a number three, Fletcher Cox and others. I can see the headline now: BIG BALLS CHIP TRADES HIS COX TO DRAFT MARIOTA.
7:56 p.m.: Jeff Darlington reports on NFL Network that Titans are in discussion with Bears. Total smokescreen. Trying to milk Chip for all he’s got.
7:50 p.m.: Jason La Canfora has been beating this drum for a while: Everything I’ve heard is that Philly’s offer to Tennessee is very substantial. Still seems like the sweet spot to me
7:41 p.m.: I’m literally walking around my house talking to myself, laughing. Wife concerned.
7:40 p.m.: MARCUSMARIOTA_DRESS_ATTIRE.JPG
7:32 p.m.: If Eagles don’t get Mariota, there’s a chance #PhillyIsBaltimore crowd mixes with #DoTheDeal crowd. Godspeed to everyone out there.
7:29 p.m.: AND HERE COME THE BEARS:
7:00 p.m.: Chip is going to trade everything in Philly that’s not connected to the ground. Hold on to your mothers.
6:57 p.m.: The Titans and Eagles are just having it out through the media right now. NO YOU BLINK FIRST. NO, YOU!
6:56 p.m.: Mark Maske again: Source says Browns are hopeful they’ll land a QB tonight, whether it’s trade-up for Marcus Mariota or Sam Bradford in deal with Eagles.
6:55 p.m.: Albert Breer: Titans fielded offers, but nothing worth for moving yet. They’re ready to draft Mariota at 2. And not real interested in a pick after 15.
6:51 p.m.: Bucs writer Rick Stroud says Bucs are committed to drafting Jameis Winston. I’m convinced Eagles are trying to strong-arm Titans by talking to Bus.
6:49 p.m.: Mark Maske of the Washington Post stating what’s become the obvious: One NFL source says Eagles are “as determined as it gets” to trade up for Mariota. But that’s a long, long way to go from No. 20.
6:40 p.m.: This is a Big Balls move right here. Titans, you don’t want to do business? Well, maybe you will now lest we leapfrog you.
6:39 p.m.: Holy fuck. Ed Werder now reporting Eagles have contacted Bucs: Unable to make deal so far with #Titans, I’m told #Eagles have inquired with #Bucs about the No. 1 pick, presumably for Marcus Mariota.
6:09 p.m.: Ed Werder also noted that, as of an hour ago, the Bucs hadn’t heard from the Eagles.
5:59 p.m.: Ed Werder: One reason #Bucs have not confirmed Jameis Winston to be pick: Colleagues told GM Jason Licht he will be surprised how many offers come late. Oh em gee.
5:58 p.m.: As long as they don’t take our roast pork:
5:53 p.m.: The belief all day has been that the Eagles’ road to number two would be through giving Bradford to the Browns, but Jim Wyatt suggests that the Titans “don’t hate” Bradford, and he could be part of a more straightforward swap.
5:39 p.m.: With the number two pick looking more and more unattainable, Mike Florio posits that maybe the Eagles will make a run at the number one overall pick. If they don’t have enough to shake the Titans off of two, I don’t know how they’ll knock the Bucs off of Winston, but that would be the craziest possible outcome of tonight.
5:06 p.m.: Jamies Winston has a red carpet at his draft party. Marcus Mariota, I think, is watching it at his high school with his Ohana.
5:00 p.m: Sal Pal literally all over the place right, talking to Jamie Apody: ESPN’s Sal Pal also tells me the potential suitors for Mariota have fallen off given Tennessee’s high price tag. #Eagles last in the game. Just hours ago Sal Pal called it an “impossible situation.”
4:49 p.m.: Yep, this isn’t real life anymore.
4:46 p.m.: Today might be my undoing. Mentally, at least.
4:43 p.m.: My dog, Hayley, is just sitting here, staring at me. I swear I just heard her ask, “So, are they gonna do the deal? Ruff.”
4:37 p.m.: ESPN right now:
4:33 p.m.: NFL Network reporting fire alarm just went off at NovaCare Complex. Aggressive negotiating tactics from Titans. I kind of respect that.
4:24 p.m.: Mike Florio says it’s gonna be the nuclear option:
The key to putting the various pieces together could be the 12th overall pick, currently held by the Browns.
It would require the Eagles to strike a deal with the Browns, which would send Bradford to Cleveland and the 12th pick to Tennessee. Presumably, the Eagles would have to give up even more to Cleveland — and possibly would have to assume the contract of quarterback Johnny Manziel.
What do bloggers dream of, when they take a little blogger snooze.
Do they dream of mauling writers, or Jeff Carter in his ass-grabbin suit.
Don’t you worry your pasty blogger head we’re gonna get you back to page views and your cozy blogger bed.
And then we’re gonna find our best friend Marcus and then we’re gonna give him a best friend hug.
Marc, Marc, oh Johnny, Marcus and Timmy too
But if he’s been murdered by draft pick demands,
well then we’re shit out of luck.
4:18 p.m.: Jason La Canfora: Nothing out there getting the Titans to bite just yet, but fully expect offers to rise as we get closer to the pick. BONERJAM 2015.
[For real, I’m losing my mind. By 8 I’m going to be typing exclusively in expressive Anime characters and Emoji. Absolute soup, my brain is right now.]
4:17 p.m.: Rappppppppppppoporting on NFL Network that the Titans are hearing from the Bears, Rams, Jets, Browns and Eagles, but “gonna want too much for anyone to come all the way up and go to number two.” That smells like posturing to me.
4:12 p.m.: Titans writer Jim Wyatt: Continue to hear the #Eagles making a serious bid for No.2 spot. Can they convince the #Titans to trade it? NFL Draft starts in 4 hours. TALK TO ME, JIMMY!!!!
4:08 p.m.: Chick with hard-to-spell name on NFL Network says Mariota Ohana will delay press conference after he’s picked because he could be traded.
4:02 p.m.: Adam Caplan not feeling it: On trading up for Mariota: “it remains a long shot. Tennessee wants so much for the #2 pick”
3:53 p.m.: Rick Neuheisel is singing a song about sitting in the green room on the NFL Network. This is literally the reason the terrorists hate us.
3:51 p.m.: NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabawawaagowallaodwalla: Texting w/ NFC team exec. Says Mariota-to-Eagles a pipe dream, that Mariota “the real deal” and will take too much to get him #sorry
3:48 p.m.: Jason La Canfora in his latest mock draft is MAKING. IT. MOVE.:
But I decided to do a modified version of Wednesday’s mock. In that draft I had the Titans drafting Marcus Mariota and Chip Kelly pawning Sam Bradford off to Cleveland, but the Eagles and Titans not quite consummating their Mariota trade before the picks were made. I’ve decided to just ahead and do one with the Eagles landing Mariota at the second pick, and dealing picks 19 (obtained from Cleveland in the Bradford deal) and 20 this year, plus a future first-round pick as well as players (including Mychal Kendricks and Evan Mathis). That now means the Titans are picking at 19 and 20, and I don’t see them going the same route Kelly would have with those picks.
…
Been saying for months he’s going in this spot whether through trade or otherwise, and the Eagles have too many trade chips and too much interest in doing this. Chip Kelly goes ahead and gets his man. Ken Whisenhunt gets a bounty of players and picks and rolls with Mettenberger.
3:34 p.m.: Sal Pal says the Eagles don’t think they have enough ammo to get up to number two, called it an “impossible situation.”
3:32 p.m.: Adam Schefter said on NFL Live that it is “unlikely” the Titans find an offer enticing enough to leave the number two spot and they will take Mariota for their own.
3:15 p.m.: Mort has been reporting that all along. Schefter hasn’t said that. It looks like it’s gonna be the Eagles or nobody moving up.
3:13 p.m.: Jake Ciely: Schefter just said on NFL Insiders that Mariota “is not going to Cleveland.” Said Browns don’t have pieces they want to spend to move to No2 Meanwhile, Mortensen is saying the Eagles don’t have what it takes either.
3:12 p.m.: Eagles are the favorites to draft Mariota:
2:50 p.m.: Rapppppppppppppppppppppppppppppoport on the NFL Network says now many teams are calling the Titans… including: “We know that Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles have also been in contact about moving up to number two.”
2:46 p.m.: Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com, making me sad:
The Titans need a franchise quarterback, and I knew Mariota made a favorable impression on the brass in Tennessee going back to the preseason of 2014. Some of the staff with the Titans rave about Mariota. Throughout the draft process my sources with Tennessee have said to stick with Mariota.
Ow, Charlie. That hurt!
2:44 p.m.: Just realized I haven’t eaten today.
2:36 p.m.: Rotoworld’s Evan Silva: Schefter/Mort/Polian all saying it’s currently “unlikely” any team will pull off trade up to 2. That could change, but currently unlikely. I DON’T LIKE THE WAY THIS IS GOING.
2:17 p.m.: Dave Spadaro, misdirecting: I do not think the #Eagles will trade up. I think they don’t want to give up draft picks, if possible
2:04: I believe at this point the Titans are just trying to get the Eagles to do something stupid. And that’s fine. Just give me my Marcus.
2:01 p.m.: Radio host and draft guru Benjamin Allbright, whose track record is unknown, says: Titans steadily letting the Eagles bid against themselves. Chargers, Jets and Browns have been out for awhile. When all said & done #Eagles may just get there to #2. Looking at the price tag, it won’t be worth it. Why you don’t give HC, GM power. You know what? I don’t even care. By Saturday the Eagles might not have enough players to field an offensive line… but they’ll have Marcus Mariota, and really, that’s all that’ll matter.
1:41 p.m.: John Clayton said on ESPN that Tennessee is turning away anything that doesn’t include at least a top 16 pick this year.
1:12 p.m.: Rappppppppoport also says the amount the Titans are asking in return for the second pick makes other teams think they just want Mariota for themselves.
12:57 p.m.: Rappppppppoport: Could #Browns trade for Sam Bradford? Well, he doesn’t want to do an extension & wasn’t thrilled about Cleveland when they last inquired. THE BALLS after two ACL surgeries.
12:56 p.m.: Jim Wyatt: In addition to Browns and Eagles, I’ve heard the #Jets (6th pick) and #Rams (10th) have also been in discussions with #Titans.
12:51 p.m.: Sal Pal called today the most anticipated day in a generation for Eagles fans on ESPN. He also said the Mariota camp believes the Eagles are a “serious contender” in the Mariota sweepstakes, but they haven’t heard the right offer yet.
12:44 p.m.: This thing is going to have so much sweat on it. So much sweat.
12:41 p.m.: Conor Orr of NFL Network:
There also exists the real possibility that Marcus Mariota, apparently the apple of Farmer’s eye, is taken with the No. 1 overall pick instead of Jameis Winston. The seismic move could throw any of these discussions out of whack and render them useless.
The new Pangea.
12:29 p.m.: Normal resting rate is 62. #anticipation #croppedoutfuckedupthumb
Wheeeeeeere does my heart beat now, Marcus?
12:13 p.m.: Jay Glazer, stumping for Titans: Titans telling teams inquiring about number 2 pick it’s going to take a HUGEEEE value to pry it away
11:57 a.m.: Bob Holtzman: Was just told by a league source that Titans have talked with Browns, Jets and Rams. Not sure if there were offers made or just talking. Titans and Browns conspiring to fleece the Eagles in three-team deal?
11:45 a.m.: Some thoughts: You do everything you can to get Marcus Mariota, if you believe he’s your guy. Chip coached him, he knows him. If Chip feels that his coaching career will be inextricably linked to Mariota the same way Bill Belichick’s is to Tom Brady and Mike McCarthy’s will be to Aaron Rodgers, then you do the deal. It doesn’t matter if it takes a big Cox and a whole bunch of draft picks. Now, there’s a question as to whether Mariota is the guy, sure, but if Chip feels he is, then he has to get it done. The Eagles don’t have a good quarterback right now. They have no one to build around. This is their chance. You have to take it.
11:29 a.m.: Forbes reporter and Philly native Maggie McGrath, who shares, apparently, an internal conversation among Forbes writers:
11:23 a.m.: Howard Eskin, who has made a career out of pouring water on your boners: The tweets and stories won’t stop on Marcus Mariota. No question #Eagles will try to trade for Mariota BUT reality, so hard to move up. BTW.. Other teams ahead of #Eagles in draft also trying to move up..it’s almost over.
11:02 a.m.: ESPN reporter Josina Anderson: #Browns source said as of 8a no calls fr #PHI re: Bradford to deal up. RT @KingJEazy: Jo do u think #Titans trade 2nd pk &/or draft Mariota.
11:01 a.m.: Philly Soft Pretzel Factory:
10:59 a.m.: Rapppppppppppppppppppoporting: #Titans in a prime spot. #Eagles, #Browns & others have been in contact for the No. 2 pick. Worst case? They simply take their franchise QB
10:56 a.m.: Titans reporter Jim Wyatt: If #Titans end up trading pick, it’s not going 2 be bc they conned every1 into thinking they like MM & wanted picks all along. They like him
10:52 a.m.: The NFL Network just ran a commercial for the NFL’s 10 new Pinterest boards. I can only assume they consist solely of little football cookies– laces out.
10:46 a.m.: Mary Kay Cabot, whose name sounds like a tasty treat you’d buy exclusively at Easter, says: #Browns Mike Pettine told NFL Network’s Andrea Kremer: “Opinions on Marcus Mariota in this building are varied.”
10:13 a.m.: This could clear the way for some things. According to Browns beatwriter Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns “do not want to surrender their first-rounder in 2016 to land Marcus Mariota.” That could take them out of the Mariota sweepstakes and put them right into the Sam Bradford sweepstakes.
9:57 a.m.: Mel Kiper in his final mock draft:
While a trade for Mariota seems close to impossible … it’s still the Eagles.
9:45 a.m.: Here are five players Eliot Shorr-Parks thinks the Eagles could take if they stay at number 20. BOOOOOOO, ELIOT. BOOOOOOOO.
9:42 a.m.: Look at Dave Spadaro toe the line like a perfect little spokesperson:
Will the Eagles make the move and trade up for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota? As the hours melt into late Wednesday and into Thursday, that drumbeat continues, ignoring the several references that both head coach Chip Kelly and vice president of player personnel Ed Marynowitz have made about “not mortgaging the future” for any moves. So will the Eagles give up multiple draft picks and possibly multiple players to get to picks 2-6? The perspective here says, “no,” but it comes with the above disclaimer and the caveat that nobody can rule out anything with Kelly, certainly not after the way this offseason has gone. The Eagles are really pleased with Sam Bradford at quarterback. He’s at the NovaCare Complex every day in the offseason program. He is working hard. He is going to be an outstanding fit in this offense when he gets healthy.
…
It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if the Eagles pass on the quarterback position in this draft. I think they’re pleased with what they have here. Bradford and Mark Sanchez are 1-2 — Sanchez will compete for the starting job and that’s a fair mindset for him to have — and then Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley are battling for No. 3. G.J. Kinne is in the mix as well, and he’ll try to earn a roster spot any way he can, even if that means he’s a special teams, jack-of-all-trades player.
9:34 a.m.: Dick HOOPS Weiss checks in with this cryptic Tweet: eagles,stll salivating over oregon qb marcus mariota in nfl draft but its not happening. OK, Dick.
9:32 a.m.: Pete Prisco:
9:06 a.m.: Worried about cap space getting in the way of destiny? Poppypoop– Eliot Short-Parks notes that the Titans and Browns – $26 million and $23 million in cap space, respectively – have more than enough room to take on Bradford’s $13 million salary.
8:55 a.m.: Jeff McLane, who also thinks the Eagles-Browns-Titans thing, on Cox:
Since two first-round picks won’t get it done, the Eagles will have to include their 2016 first-round pick and possibly an impact player from their roster. Defensive end Fletcher Cox would be the most valuable. The Eagles picked up Cox’s fifth-year option, which would allow the Titans to have him under contract for two years, but his 2016 salary-cap number is a pricey $7.8 million.
Me thinks picking his option up wasn’t for the Eagles– it was for another team.
8:48 a.m.: I have almost no doubt that if a deal gets done today, it’s going to involve Fletcher Cox. Albert Breer of the the NFL Network reports that the Eagles keep floating him out there.
8:41 a.m.: Chris Mortensen on Mike and Mike: “I don’t think the Philadelphia Eagles will be able to trade up to get Marcus Mariota.” Keep in mind, Mortensen the other day reported that Bradford wouldn’t sign an extension anywhere else but Philadelphia, so he seems to be getting information from someone working against this deal… or negotiating (the Eagles’ willingness to walk away?) in public.
8:40 a.m.: Mike Florio, same thing:
Per a league source, the Eagles are “doing all they can” to make the move from No. 20.
…
Bradford, the 20th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Philly’s first-round pick in 2016, and maybe another second- or third-round pick could possibly get it done as a three-team deal, if the Eagles can get the No. 12 pick from Cleveland and deliver the 12th pick, the 20th pick, and a 2016 first-round pick to Tennessee. Perhaps the Browns would need Bradford and another second-round pick to give up the No. 12 pick. Maybe the Titans would want another third-round pick in addition to three first-round selections.
8:37 a.m.: Peter King thinks the same Eagles-Browns-Titans thing is possible:
What a stunning turn of events it would be if the Eagles were to get him. Seven weeks ago Kelly traded starting quarterback Nick Foles to St. Louis for a package that included quarterback Sam Bradford. To get the second pick in the draft, the Eagles would have to do one of two things: ship Bradford to Tennessee as part of the deal, or ship Bradford to Cleveland to get a first-round pick, which Kelly would then flip to Tennessee as part of a deal for Mariota. It would take two first-round picks plus something significant, most likely, to get the Oregon passer. Would the Eagles be willing to include their 2016 first-round pick? Or more?
…
But there is this X factor, not to complicate this too much: One NFL source in Chicago late Wednesday night told me Cleveland believes it has a good chance before the draft to deal for Bradford. So there’s that. If we’ve learned nothing about the draft over the years, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Such as, there’s a real chance Mariota could end up on a team other than the Titans by nightfall today.
8:34 a.m.: Todd McShay: Mock 6.0 (FINAL) done. Mildly surprised how many teams still legit interested in moving up. NYJ, PHI, CLE to 2 (Mariota). ATL, NO (edge def)
8:29 a.m: Lots of rumors overnight and no time to waste today. Starting now, all day draft coverage and rumors.
First up, Adam Schefter was on Mike and Mike (now on 610 AM!) this morning fanning the flames and said this, transcribed by Bleeding Green Nation:
So I think at some point today, I will not be surprised if the Philadelphia Eagles make that attempt. And if they do, the only way they could do it would be with the assistance of the Cleveland Browns, who are willing and able to aid their efforts to try to get up to No. 2. […]
So I think here’s the tip off today. If we get a trade today, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, hold on to your seat-belts because that means that Philadelphia has got the ammunition to go up to No. 2. “
HOT.
Wednesday
5:37 p.m.: The Eagles are reportedly trying to get a 2nd round pick in return for Mychal Kendricks, but teams aren’t biting. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, something could happen, and that pick they get in return could be used to move up, because of course.
3:23 p.m.: ESPN sent Shelley Smith, who’s battling breast cancer, to Hawaii to cover the drafting of Marcus Mariota:
That’s awesome. Say what you want about ESPN, but in the few dealings I’ve had with them over the past few years – for varying reasons – have been nothing but pleasant and professional. Classy move here.
2:19 p.m.: Everyone basically said no.
1:16 p.m.: Jason La Canfora: Browns willing to deal 12+19 for pick 2 would be just the starting point. It’s what else they’d part with that makes or breaks Mariota deal. Browns had already been offering up one of their 2 first rounders for Sam Bradford – 1st to STL and then to Philly. They want a new QB
1:11 p.m.: Some guy says the Browns haven’t made the Titans an offer yet, despite reports that they have: #Titans source: #Browns have not made an offer for No. 2.
12:36 p.m.: Tim McManus thinks a Mariota to the Eagles deal is “far from” dead. “Kelly, it’s safe to say, thinks Mariota can be that guy — particularly in his offense,” McManus said. “I believe this is his ideal quarterback: A smart, quick decision-maker that can beat you with his arm and feet; a humble leader who will stay true to the cause and serve as a top ambassador of the Kelly Way.”
“Think he’s interested in acquiring a guy like that? Definitely. Can he pull it off? To be determined. But the closer we get, the more I believe that if he goes down, he’s going down swinging.”
12:33 p.m.: Joe Banner doesn’t think it’s impossible: No doubt in my mind Eagles will make a serious run at Mariota. Going from 20-2 is expensive, but let’s not act like it can’t happen.
12:13 p.m.: Talking head Mark May on 97.5 The Fanatic: Mark May “Chip is really sold on Sam Bradford… I don’t think he’s going to sell the ranch to get Mariota.”
11:14 a.m.: But Benjamin Allbright thinks the Eagles wouldn’t even have to move up to the two spot for Mariota. In fact, most teams aren’t that high on him, it’s just media and fans. Allbright said: Draft shaping up to have Mariota fall. Could fall right into teens. Most teams don’t have him in their top 15-20.
10:09 a.m.: Sal Pal on SportsCenter says Mariota’s camp thinks there are two teams in competition to move into that number two spot: the Eagles and the Chargers.
9:57 a.m.: Peter King thinks Mariota could be traded out of the #2 pick, but maybe not to the Eagles:
I think I heard this from a smart GM Wednesday night: “I know everybody’s got Tennessee taking Marcus Mariota, and that’s probably how it goes. But it will not shock me if Cleveland trades the farm to get him at two. [Owner] Jimmy Haslam has to be sick of the merry-go-round at quarterback, and he has to be embarrassed by the Johnny Manziel pick last year. How could he not want a squeaky-clean quarterback like Mariota to lead his franchise?”
9:51 a.m.: Beats by Dre knows their market
9:38 a.m.: The Titans, despite all their bluster about wanting to draft Mariota, are actively seeking out trades, according to Jeff Darlington: Despite Titans’ praise of Mariota, 1 big reason this isn’t done: Titans aren’t just taking calls about a trade — they’re making calls, too. Titans want to be inside top “16 or 17” picks to insure they get impact player, so Eagles, for instance, will need to get cute at No. 20. So far, activity at No. 2 has been minimal, but as one league source said, that will heat up today. And tomorrow… Well, hold onto your…
