It’s no secret that 2019 is a very important year for Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota as he looks to prove himself as the team’s franchise guy.
Many analysts and fans alike have already voiced their doubts about the former Oregon Duck’s ability to be the man of the future for the Titans before the season has even started.
But what could have happened if the Titans had never selected the signal-caller in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft?
Here’s a look at three possible scenarios.
1. The Mettshow continues.
It’s kind of hard to forget that red-headband-wearing guy that vaguely reminded of you of Uncle Rico. It’s equally difficult to forget his incredibly poor overall accuracy, and the fact he failed to win a game he started beyond LSU until he joined the now-defunct AAF’s Memphis Express.
Mettenberger struggled greatly behind a weak offensive line, with hardly any reliable targets aside from tight end Delanie Walker. It would have taken some serious changes and strong commitment from the Titans to build an offense that he would have had a chance to grow in.
And even then, there’s no guarantee Mettenberger would have ever panned out at the NFL level.
2. Jameis Winston steps in.
This is who most people expected the Titans to go for at quarterback in 2015’s draft. Expected to fit better into the team’s offensive scheme more easily and to be the most “pro-ready” quarterback overall, Winston was certainly a favorite.
Today, the two’s numbers are somewhat comparable.
Over the past four seasons, Mariota has completed 1,015-of-1,605 passes for 12,004 yards, with 69 touchdowns and 42 interceptions on 56 total appearances.
He’s also carried 218 times for 1,270 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In comparison, Winston has been good for 1,183-of-1,922 passes for 14,628 yards, with 88 touchdowns and 58 interceptions.
He’s rushed 189 times for 794 yards and nine touchdowns.
3. The team makes a free agency acquisition.
There’s a way the Titans could have moved on from Mettenberger and never spent a single 2015 pick on a signal-caller.
There were 21 quarterbacks available through free agency at the time, including former Titans quarterback Jake Locker. Some saw Colt McCoy as a viable option, with his mobility and ability to function within a pro-style offense.
Obviously, the addition of McCoy never came to pass.
