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Philadelphia Eagles Next Quarterback Was in the College Championship, But His Name Isn’t Mariota

By Jesse Shuter

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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Steve Miller (88) during the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

For some time now the Philadelphia Eagles have been linked to Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota through his connection with Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. Mariota led his team to a number two ranking in the country and a chance to be the National Champions after making it to the first ever college playoff championship. Sadly Oregon did fall short in the National Championship to the number four Ohio State. Mariota is a very talented quarterback, the reigning Heisman trophy winner, and a great fit for the Eagles offense, but he might not have even be the best quarterback prospect in that game.

The National Championship was a great matchup between two teams that have very talented defenses and high powered offenses. The teams were Oregon, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State has had to deal with quite a bit of adversity. They lost their first and second string quarterbacks going into the final game of their regular season. Enter quarterback Cardale Jones.

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) passes during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Jones had never had more than nine pass attempts in a game in his two year tenure at Ohio State, but the sophomore started back to back to back very impressive showings at the end of the season leading up to this game.

In the few games I have had the privilege of watching Jones, he has looked like the second coming of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. He is huge measuring in at 6’5” 250 lbs. He is extremely mobile. However, he is not quite as fast as Newton, his speed is actually similar to that of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. He has a very strong arm and is capable of making every throw necessary in the NFL. Most importantly he is a very raw prospect and if the right NFL coach (cough cough, Chip Kelly) gets their hands on him and has him sit out a year to develop, he could be a star.

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To me the most important attribute that Jones has is his powerful throws. In the NFL where defensive players are much smarter and faster it is important to be able to get rid of the ball very quickly, and Jones possesses the ability to do this.

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Cardale Jones should be the Eagles next quarterback. Since Jones is a sophomore, he is able to come into the draft this year. That being said, having only started three games I would be surprised if he made that decision, it is still a possibility though.

If Jones was to enter the NFL draft this year it would be perfect for the Eagles, since he only started three games, if the scouting combine goes well, Jones’ ceiling for the draft is the second round. That means that the Eagles can get their quarterback of the future without trading up in the first. They might have to trade up in the second, or third but the price will not be too much.

There is a good chance the Eagles will have to wait until 2016 for a chance to draft Jones. Luckily the Eagles have a pretty solid option for 2015 at the least in quarterback Nick Foles. Maybe Jones should give the Eagles something to think about before the 2015 draft and season.

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