Titans Pick Oregon Quaterback Heisman Trophy Winner- Marcus Mariota- In First Round Of NFL Draft

Marcus Mariota is the second overall selection in the NFL draft, the Titans think they have solved their quarterback dilemma.

This is the third time since 2006 the Titans have used a high first-round pick on a quarterback. The previous two situations left much to be desired.

Nine years ago, the Titans hoped they had acquired their next franchise quarterback when they drafted Vince Young at No. 3 overall. To be fair, there was some dissension within the ranks about whether they should pick Young or Matt Leinart. Franchise founder Bud Adams strong-armed the draft and Young was picked.

It worked – for awhile. Young was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. But opposing defensive coordinators figured out his game and adjusted. Young failed to find an adequate counterpunch and lost altitude.

He lasted five seasons with the Titans and took his last NFL snap with Philadelphia in 2011.

In 2011, the Titans spent the No. 8 overall pick on Jake Locker. It was a reach, but that's how desperate the Titans were at quarterback.

Locker never took flight. He had a few moments here and there but couldn't stay healthy. He lost his starting job to rookie sixth-round pick Zach Mettenberger last season and retired from the game.

So here come Mariota. He is a decorated college player who must adapt his game to the NFL after starring in a spread offense at Oregon.

He will have to adjust his game but it also is incumbent upon the Titans – particularly coach Ken Whisenhunt – to made changes in their offense to accommodate his skills.

After so many years of looking for stability at quarterback, the Titans must hand the position to Mariota and see how he responds.

For the sake of the Titans and their fans, here's hoping they got it right this time. Tennessean.

Photo: Thomas Boyd / The Oregonian