INDIANAPOLIS -- The concept that the Philadelphia Eagles and Chip Kelly would do whatever it takes to land dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL Draft has been around for nearly as long as the coach has been in the professional game.
Most consider the idea a little far-fetched considering the Eagles don't pick until 20th overall and would need to mortgage numerous future first-round picks in order to move up far enough to grab a player most think will be taken within the first six picks of the draft.
But there is another option for the team if the Eagles want a quarterback that would fit their system -- UCLA's Brett Hundley. The media-savvy star said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he would have no issues going to a team like the Eagles, even if it meant falling from his goal of being taken first overall.
"Obviously they're able to pick a quarterback and they want to pick a quarterback, in the first round hopefully," Hundley told College Football 24/7 Thursday. "If I fit that system and I'm still there for the taking, that would be amazing. I just want the opportunity, no matter if it's in the Eagles' system or in Arizona, I just want an opportunity to play."
Hundley said teams have not questioned him about one of his perceived weaknesses -- downfield accuracy -- during meetings and have instead concentrated on what he is able to do well that will translate to the next level. The former Bruins signal-caller is comfortable in going to the board to explain his strengths to coaches and even noted that there are a lot of similarities between what he ran in Westwood and what offensive systems he might be in when he's in the NFL.
"I guess the Eagles are close. There are offenses that have similar things in their systems, but not all of them are basic spread offenses," the quarterback remarked. "There are instances where they have the zone read or there are instances where they have pass concepts like ours."
Hundley might not be a popular pick to go in the first round at this point in the draft process, but his charisma, arm and intelligence will be highly valued. He could wind up as the player who is just as nice an option as Mariota, but one that can be found for half the price by teams like the Eagles.
*Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter **@BryanDFischer.*
