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Marcus Mariota talk heats up with reported Browns offer to Titans

Frank Schwab
·NFL writer

Marcus Mariota likely won't be selected first overall on Thursday, barring one of the biggest surprises in NFL draft history, but he's certainly the most interesting player in this draft.

On the eve of the draft, we're no closer to knowing who will be the No. 2 pick, which team will be taking the No. 2 pick or if Heisman Trophy winner Mariota will be involved in that second pick. But a report has set the price to beat to secure that No. 2 overall pick from the Tennessee Titans.

Pat McManamon of ESPN reported that the Browns have officially offered their two first-round picks, Nos. 12 and 19, to the Titans for No. 2. The Browns would take Mariota there. That's no huge surprise, because that trade has been speculated for many weeks (it's worth noting that fellow ESPN writer Paul Kuharsky said a Titans source told him no offer was made). But it kicks into high gear what will be a very interesting period for the Titans.

The Titans have shown public interest in Mariota, and even if that's to protect leverage in a potential trade, there's no reason they shouldn't have interest in Mariota. The Oregon quarterback would give them a potential star to build around, something the franchise sorely lacks. But, USC defensive end Leonard Williams and Florida outside linebacker Dante Fowler could be that star player too, and they have to be options for the Titans at No. 2.

Of course, there are many teams desperate for a franchise quarterback and the Titans could cash in by trading the second pick. If McManamon's report is correct, they could at least get two top 19 picks for trading out. The Philadelphia Eagles are a popular speculated destination for Mariota because of the tie between the quarterback and his former college coach, Chip Kelly, who is with the Eagles now. The San Diego Chargers have shown interest in Mariota but most recent reports deny that they'd be interested in trading quarterback Philip Rivers. The Washington Redskins, New York Jets and Chicago Bears have top-10 picks and less-than-desirable quarterback situations, and it would be odd if those teams haven't at least considered talking trade with Tennessee. If the Titans do make the second pick themselves, it's safe to assume they'll be passing up plenty of good offers to do so.

Of course, if the Browns land Mariota that makes for an interesting story. Cleveland has had a torturous history at quarterback since re-entering the NFL in 1999, would be admitting defeat on 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel after just two NFL starts and Mariota would be fighting a lot of recent history to try to become a star with one of the NFL's most dysfunctional franchises.

This NFL draft really does begin with the second pick. Now the Titans just have to figure out their best move.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!