However unlikely, the Chiefs could pursue Marcus Mariota

Phillip Rivers’ ultimatum to the Chargers could be the perfect excuse to move on from the veteran QB and invest in the future of the franchise. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers – Pick: #17  

The stage certainly does seem to be set for the Chargers to make this move. Philip Rivers making a protest that will have no bearing on whether the team relocates is the perfect excuse for the front office to ship him. It’s not like the Chargers have been contenders with him at the helm in recent years either. Moving on from an aging QB may be exactly what the Chargers need to do in order to retool their roster and compete for the AFC West.

It wouldn’t be the first time the franchise has made an…interesting move at quarterback. Perhaps it is time for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers to enter into a complete rebuild mode to go along with their likely change of address.

Prediction: As of now, I’m calling the Chargers the front-runners in the market. They have the best offer to make because they can include a quality NFL QB. That will be a tempting offer to Ken Whisenhunt.

Kansas City Chiefs – Pick: #18  

“Just from afar, I listen to what his teammates say. I’ve got one on my team and I talked to him about him. I asked him about him. And he goes, ‘This guy is unbelievable. Great leader, great person.’ ~ Andy Reid on doing due diligence on Marcus Mariota

Hey, if I’m going to advocate the Chiefs taking Brett Hundley as the quarterback of the future, then I can’t turn a blind eye to the possibility that Mariota might also be that guy. Mel Kiper lauded this as a possibility not too long ago.  It isn’t what I would do…but as I love to say: “There are 32 draft philosophies in the NFL and mine isn’t one of them.” Now, trading up like this would also be out of character for John Dorsey as it is not something often done in the Ron Wolf school.

However, if Andy has pegged Mariota as “The Guy,” then it could certainly happen. The Chiefs do have at least one major piece they could move in Justin Houston. And while that probably wouldn’t be a popular decision, if Andy Reid truly does believe in Mariota, then hasn’t he earned at least some benefit of the doubt?

Prediction: The Chiefs will think about it, but likely bow out after the first phone call reveals where the market is heading.

Next: An Oregon reunion