While trade buzz linkingSan Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Oregon's Marcus Mariota simmers, the former Ducks star worked out Thursday for one of the many teams he's been linked to in the lead-up to the 2015 NFL Draft.
The St. Louis Rams visited Eugene to work out Mariota at the Oregon facilities, and the club sent a big contingent to the Pacific Northwest.
Head coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Les Snead, executive vice president of football operations/COO Kevin Demoff, offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, and quarterbacks coach (and fellow Heisman winner) Chris Weinke were all on hand to put Mariota through the paces at the Ducks' indoor facility, according to NFL Media's Albert Breer, who's reporting from the site of the workout. Mariota's workout Thursday lasted 45 minutes, per Breer.
Fisher has said the Rams intend to draft a quarterback this year, and even after the trade of Sam Bradford for Nick Foles, there's little doubt that the Rams are in the market for a potential long-term starter at quarterback. Foles is penciled in as the starter under center, but he's entering the final year of his contract.
Mariota is regarded by NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock as the top signal-caller in the draft and at least one scout views Mariota and presumptive No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston as the best QB prospects since Andrew Luck. The Rams have a lot of blue-chip talent on their roster, and are hoping that finding a solution under center will put them over the top in the NFC West. So, it's no surprise that they would kick the tires on Mariota.
The team will also visit Tallahassee to work out Winston this week, per Breer.
It remains to be seen if Mariota or Winston will still be on the board when the Rams pick at No. 10 overall, but the team is clearly pouring some resources into being prepared just in case.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
