No matter the perceived talent level within a given class, quarterbacks guide draft day discussion. This time, like question marks Geno Smith and Johnny Manziel in recent years, Oregon's Marcus Mariota is particularly tough to peg.
With the Buccaneers seemingly locked in on Florida State's Jameis Winston for the No. 1 overall pick, determining Mariota's future franchise is a tough projection.
MORE: Winston vs. Mariota | Top 100 players in draft | Take pro days with grain of salt
Here are the top 10 contenders, including teams that could trade up.
Buccaneers
While signs point to Winston as Tampa's pick, there's still an outside chance things change. While Winston is the more pro-ready passer for a team in need of an immediate starter, coach Lovie Smith's premium on character gives Mariota some hope.
Titans
Tennessee may be the odds-on favorite to land Mariota, but I'm told it's no lock. Rolling with second-year QB Zach Mettenberger and solidifying the defense (Leonard Williams would likely be the pick) may be coach Ken Whisenhunt's more ideal plan.
Redskins
At least one report claims Washington will take Mariota if he's available, which doesn't make much sense to me. With the team hoping Robert Griffin III takes a big step forward and Mariota not being a great fit in coach Jay Gruden's offense, I expect Washington to focus on defense.
Jets
After the Titans, the Jets seem like the most logical fit. With a new head coach, a new general manager and Geno Smith not seizing his opportunity, New York needs its quarterback of the future. But as a team with a loaded defense and an offensive supporting cast built to win now, the Jets are more likely to try to rekindle the success Chan Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick had four years ago with the Bills.
Rams
St. Louis just traded its former first-round quarterback, Sam Bradford, for a one-year tryout with Nick Foles. Loaded on defense, the Rams must focus on offense moving forward. Unless the team feels Foles is the guy (unlikely), Mariota could fill the role. New offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, however, doesn't appear to be a great fit for Mariota's development.
Trade-up possibilities
Browns
Cleveland already tried to flip a first-round pick (19th overall) for Bradford, so it's clear the team has no firm allegiance to Manziel moving forward. If Mariota falls beyond the top five, the Browns wouldn't have to deal both of their first-rounders for him — a big plus. But Cleveland would be wise to focus on offensive line, defensive line and receiver early and often, giving Manziel another season to reach his potential.
Saints
Holding two first-round picks and working through a roster rebuild, New Orleans could make an aggressive move to find Drew Brees' heir apparent. The Saints would likely prefer Winston over Mariota if given the choice, but if they're looking to snag a franchise-worthy quarterback (they've been interested in quarterbacks the last two drafts), Mariota should be obtainable.
Eagles
Even after the team traded for Bradford, Philadelphia fans remain hopeful that Mariota is part of the plan. Whether it means trading Bradford for a top five pick or trading future picks to snag a falling Mariota, a Chip Kelly reunion in Philly seems like a lost cause. Then again, the coach has been near impossible to figure out.
IYER: Kelly too smart to sit on Bradford; Mariota still a possibility
Broncos
Denver was interested in trading up for a top quarterback last year but didn't get the opportunity. With 2015 expected to be Peyton Manning's final season, the Broncos must decide whether to trust Brock Osweiler moving forward. If not, they could make an aggressive move for Mariota.
Chargers
Philip Rivers is entering the final year of his contract, and there's no guarantee he'll be in San Diego beyond 2015. Regardless, the Chargers need to start planning for life after the 33-year-old quarterback. Scooping up a slipping Mariota could be the perfect protection.