6. Marcus Mariota, QB, FA

Mariota went one pick after Winston in 2015, but their careers couldn’t have taken a different turn. Mariota has always been safe. In 2019, he proved too safe. His tenuous approach was holding back the Titans offense. When quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is likely to re-sign with the Titans, took over, the offense took off. Mariota was clearly holding back Tennessee. But Mariota reminded me of Matt Cassel when he went to Kansas City as a starter after excelling with the Patriots in 2008.

Mariota might be the most natural fit for what New England did in years past. But the Patriots would have to see his film and identify something which the Titans could not. New England would have to raise his ceiling in a way that few think he’s capable of.