Toucher & Rich: Will Brinson's NFL Draft News
BOSTON (CBS) - 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich had on CBS Sports senior NFL writer Will Brinson Wednesday morning to discuss the latest news heading into the NFL Draft.
Uncertainty surrounding the top picks in the draft remains the biggest pre-draft storyline, as standout quarterbacks Jameis Winston from Florida State and Marcus Mariota from Oregon appear in all sorts of spots on various mock drafts.
"This isn't an Andrew Luck lock at number one," said Brinson.
Brinson spoke about what the best possible scenario for Mariota would be. The 2015 Heisman winner has unmatched speed and athleticism, but played in a college-centric read option offense that doesn't always translate to the NFL.
"Ideally you have a situation where you can play a veteran for a year and maybe sit him and let him learn," said Brinson. "I would be surprised if he fell out of the top five. There's enough suitors there that he won't fall too far."
Brinson also discussed the possibility that the Tennessee Titans, who have the No. 2 overall pick, could draft Mariota and make a trade with the San Diego Chargers to acquire quarterback Phillip Rivers.
"The perfect fit for Mariota would be San Diego. It's great that [Tennessee] would be getting Phillip Rivers, but you're also getting a guy you have to pay $100 million dollars. You're paying him a deal that's going to run him through 38 [years old]," said Brinson.
Perhaps flying under the radar this draft is Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who had his junior season cut short due to a season-ending ACL tear in October.
Before that, Gurley was indefinitely suspended by the NCAA for four games after an investigation into him signing memorabilia for cash.
"Gurley, before he got hurt was one of the best running backs in the country!" said Rich.
"If Todd Gurley was coming in healthy, he would be a top 15 pick," said Brinson.
Listen below for the full draft preview: