Marcus Mariota selected No. 2 by Tennessee Titans in 2015 NFL draft

The mystery leading up to the No. 2 pick Thursday night wasn't so much which player would be selected. It was which team would be making the choice. In the end, it was the team that held that spot all along: Tennessee. The Titans rejected rumored trade offers to stay put and select Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. One such offer, as reported by the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, came from Chip Kelly's Eagles and included two first-round picks, a third-round pick, Fletcher Cox and "several other players".

Mariota will be expected to bump Zach Mettenberger from the starting job, potentially with coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Ruston Webster's jobs on his shoulders. How well he meshes with Whisenhunt's offensive scheme—and how open Whisenhunt is to tailoring that scheme to Mariota's current skill set—will determine how quickly the rookie QB finds success. Mariota has the physical and mental talents to be a long-term success in the league, despite coming from Oregon's spread system. It may take him a bit, though, to adjust to a less wide-open offense. Still, the Titans had enough confidence in his ability to do so that they ignored any trade proposals for an upgrade at quarterback.

• 2015 NFL draft tracker: Pick-by-pick grades and scouting reports

Strengths: Ran a heavy Pistol play-action offense which translates better to the NFL than some may think. Tremendous thrower on the run—moves quickly and smoothly, resets his base naturally and throws with good mechanics when he's not pressured. Doesn't always bail at the first sign of trouble; Mariota has proven that he will look to another open read while on the run after things break down. In the abstract, Mariota playing out of the shotgun so much shouldn't matter—six NFL teams operated out of the shotgun more than 70% of the time in 2014. Tremendously accurate and efficient quarterback. Plus to transcendent athlete on the move. Dedicated, humble and hard-working—will take whatever coaching he gets and ask for more. Doesn't have a bazooka for an arm, but can make most throws.

Weaknesses: Benefited from an offense designed to create an easy open receiver, against college defenses playing back for the most part—Mariota will find a much tougher go in the NFL when his first read isn't open. Near-exclusive shotgun/Pistol scheme may turn some more traditional teams away. Will face a fairly steep learning curve with an NFL playbook—Mariota needs to learn protections, first and second playcalls, and how to adjust to advanced defenses. Must learn to hang longer in the pocket—right now, he drops his eyes to run too often. Tends to lose velocity and accuracy when he can't throw from an optimal base. Might not be a first-year starter. NFL team that takes him may have to shave off the deep passes in its playbook.

Player Comparison: Aaron Rodgers

Grade: A-minus

GALLERY: SCENES FROM THE NFL DRAFT

2015 NFL Draft in Pictures

The stage prior to the start of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Don Juan Moore/Characterlines for Sports Illustrated

Jameis Winston takes the call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who made him the first pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans react after their team drafted former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick during the NFL draft party in Tampa, Fla.

Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.

Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.

Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton picks up NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he celebrates after being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 12th pick.

Fans cheer after Kevin White of the West Virginia Mountaineers was picked seventh by the Chicago Bears.

Bears fans cheer Chicago's selection of Kevin White of West Virginia Mountaineers.

Dante Fowler with commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat, right, talks to Deion Sanders after being selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 13th pick in the first round.

Green Bay Packers fans cheer during the first round of the draft.

A look at some of the NFL team representatives at the draft.

Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree celebrates after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 22nd pick in the first round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans Keith Kunzig and David Miller are excited to have traveled from Florida to be at the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Shane Ray checks out his threads.

Leonard Williams is interviewed outside the draft venue before being taken by the New York Jets.

Jameis Winston waiting for the call.

The scene inside the Jameis Winston draft gathering.

X159534_TK1_174.w.JPG — Kent Nishimura for SI

Marcus Mariotta in Hawaii before the first round began.

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Two Patriots fans in Chicago.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly arriving at the NFL Draft.

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Chicago mounted police before the first round commenced.

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Dante Fowler's shoes on draft night.

Chicago welcomed the NFL Draft with open arms.

The view from outside Roosevelt University Auditorium Theatre.

NFL prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State talks to pediatric patient Alec Cabacungan while doing a mock interview during the NFL PLAY 60 activities at Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday, April 30 in Chicago.

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