Very few NFL players have benefitted from the 2017 offseason as much as Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. The addition of new weapons, as well as his improved health, have the fantasy arrow pointing up for the third-year gunslinger. All evidence points toward his ascension to an elite-level fantasy quarterback, and here’s why.
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New Weapons in the Offense
The most glaring reason that many analysts are expecting a big year from Mariota relates to the recent moves made by the Titans, both in the draft and free agency. With major holes in both the secondary and receiving corps, the Titans elected to spend three of their first four draft selections on weapons for their young quarterback. The selection of fifth-overall pick Corey Davis (WR), as well as third-rounders Taywan Taylor (WR) and Jonnu Smith (TE), shows the dedication of the Titans’ front office to surround Mariota with skill players. Free agent wide receiver Eric Decker was recently signed by the Titans as well, adding a dependable veteran to the young, talented receiving corps.
Corey Davis
The selection of Davis gives the Titans a wide receiver with dynamic run-after-the-catch ability. The top two receivers on the roster last season, Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe, averaged only 3.4 and 2.1 yards after the catch respectively. Davis, albeit against inferior competition, averaged 7.2 yards after the catch last season and had the fourth-highest yards per route run in college football (3.56). He has the ability to turn a slant route into a 70-yard touchdown, which no 2016 Titan showed the capability of. Davis should boost Mariota’s yardage numbers by giving him a playmaker unlike any he has played with yet on the outside.
Eric Decker
If I were to tell you that Decker was third in the NFL in touchdown receptions since 2011, would you believe me? Well, you should. Decker’s 51 receiving TDs trail only Rob Gronkowski (55) and Dez Bryant (53) for the league lead in the last five seasons. Decker has proven time and time again to be a touchdown machine when on the field, and now he will be on the same side of the field as Mariota. Even if Decker’s injury and age lead to some regression, it is still likely that he can produce at least eight touchdowns, which will provide a solid scoring boost for Mariota.
Taywan Taylor
Taylor one-upped new teammate Corey Davis a season ago and produced the third-highest yards per route run (3.91). He has the speed and agility to fit in nicely as a slot receiver behind Decker and will most certainly be more effective than Harry Douglas was in that role a season ago.
Jonnu Smith
Smith was a surprise pick in the third round, but he can flat out play football. He is fast, strong, and a virtual clone of current starting tight end Delanie Walker. If Smith can be half of the player Walker is, look for him to be another mismatch weapon for Mariota this season.
Mariota’s Efficiency
Throughout his two-year career, Mariota has thrown 33 TDs and zero interceptions while in the red zone. As if this alone isn’t impressive enough, he also ranks fourth in red zone completion percentage and first in both red zone touchdown and interception percentage. These metrics are all very important when evaluating fantasy quarterbacks, and he has proven to be one of the best by converting red zone trips into points at an astounding rate. He has maintained this level of red zone excellence without true game changers at skill positions. Now, with the addition of Decker and the top two scoring college football receivers of the last four years (Davis and Taylor), look for Mariota to not only maintain his red zone efficiency but also increase his touchdown numbers dramatically in year three.
Conclusion
When you pair the past efficiency of Mariota with his revamped weapons it paints a very optimistic picture for his 2017 season. It would be very difficult to create a more ideal team for the young quarterback. He has a top five offensive line with zero starting turnover from the year before, both veteran and young weapons to throw to, and a top-five rushing attack. His talent is unquestioned, and he now has the players around him that he needs to rise to the next level. Look for Mariota to improve upon his QB15 finish from last season and become a consistent, elite option.
Source for stats: Pro Football Focus
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Samuel Dupuy is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Samuel, check out his archive and follow him @samdupuy5.
