NFL Rumors: Analyzing Draft Buzz on Marcus Mariota, Randy Gregory and More

The 2015 NFL draft is close, which means the rumor mill is churning with plenty of buzz and speculation that ought to gain credibility since the drama will officially start next Thursday.

Bleacher Report Insider Jason Cole has been making calls around the league to gather the latest chatter and try to make sense of the latest whispers. It may be the calm before the draft storm in the public eye for now, but behind closed doors, the chaos already seems to have begun.

Check out the videos below, featuring a breakdown of the rumors and what they could mean come draft day.

Eagles Angling For Marcus Mariota Trade?

Oh boy, the Chip Kelly offseason circus might not yet be over. The dream of being reunited with his college quarterback, Oregon Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, still seems to be alive.

An outlandish scenario Cole has been hearing among executives and personnel types involves a potential three-team trade with some combination of San Diego, Cleveland and Tennessee.

Perhaps all of this is a mere smokescreen, as Bleacher Report draft expert Matt Miller suggests:

But Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported Wednesday that the Eagles haven't started meaningful contract talks with Sam Bradford, the QB they acquired this offseason to be their starter. At least for 2015.

A rumor that Philadelphia still wants Mariota, therefore, comes as little surprise. Kelly has laughed in the face of conventional NFL thinking in his first go-round as personnel chief, and few would bat an eye if he were to wheel and deal on draft day—whether he lands Mariota or not.

DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline feels Mariota, not Jameis Winston, is the top signal-caller in the 2015 class, per 97.3 ESPN FM:

Cole previously reported a rumor that Chargers QB Philip Rivers could go to Tennessee in a hypothetical trade, with San Diego taking Mariota as the new face of the franchise thereafter.

The Browns have two first-round picks at Nos. 12 and 19 and aren't exactly settled under center. Johnny Manziel is just out of rehab and veteran Josh McCown is coming off a woeful 2014 campaign in Tampa Bay.

There's still the possibility that the Titans love Mariota and take him No. 2 overall, putting all these crazy scenarios to rest. No one can say for sure until Tennessee general manager Ruston Webster goes on the clock for the most important pick of his tenure.

Saints Won't Draft Randy Gregory or Marcus Peters; Searching for Drew Brees' Successor

According to Cole, New Orleans is focused on taking a quality player with its first of two opening-round draft picks, but it won't gamble on an elite talent with potential character concerns.

This appears to eliminate Nebraska edge-rusher Randy Gregory and skilled Washington cornerback Marcus Peters. Bleacher Report's Dan Pompei and CSN Chicago's Greg Gabriel outline some of the problems with Gregory of late:

"

Randy Gregory has become a "wild card" selection. Some clubs have dropped him. Others are staying put. Will drop out of top 10 for sure

— Greg Gabriel (@greggabe) April 20, 2015"

Peters was dismissed from Washington after reportedly arguing with coaches multiple times. No matter how formidable he is in coverage, that's going to be tough to overcome.

Both players' positions carry a ton of value with how prominent the passing game is in the NFL today. There are more pass-rushers to be had than top-notch cornerbacks, though, so Peters figures to go off the board first—probably not long after New Orleans chooses, if the Saints do indeed pass on him.

The fact that Gregory can't seem to keep weight on is usually the opposite concern for front seven players who may be out of shape. It'd behoove him to bulk up, because Gregory can't rely on his length and quickness at such a low playing weight.

Leading off the video segment, Cole indicates the Saints like Baylor's Bryce Petty and Colorado State's Garrett Grayson as possible Drew Brees successors. KOAA News 5's Grant Meech points out how ESPN's top draft gurus are split on the two:

Grayson seems to be the best fit since he hails from a pro-style offense. He's also a better athlete than he's given credit for, which seems to give him the edge over Petty, even though the former Baylor star does have an edge in natural arm talent.

In Saints coach Sean Payton's system, Brees has thrived without necessarily having a rocket arm, though he's improved his downfield throwing over the years. Something similar could happen with Grayson if New Orleans chooses to go that route on Day 2.

Elite Defensive Prospects Could Cause Receivers to Fall

A number of supremely gifted front seven players could create a run that knocks down the draft's best pass-catchers. USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is widely considered the best non-QB available, and even the best player overall.

Then there are edger-rushers such as Florida's Dante Fowler Jr., Kentucky product Bud Dupree and Clemson star Vic Beasley to consider. Cole also mentions massive Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton as a potential top-tier pick.

Most believe the top two wideouts to be Amari Cooper (Alabama) and Kevin White (West Virginia). Cole suggests the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns may take a crack at them, and certainly would at someone like DeVante Parker.

If Parker is on the board at No. 11, Minnesota might be tempted to take him even if Cooper or White are still available. Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater played with Parker at Louisville, and a reunion would likely be a huge boon to both youngsters' NFL careers.

Even though the Browns signed veterans Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe this offseason to add size to the outside of their receiving corps, they still don't have a size-speed specimen to function as a true No. 1. Cooper, White, Parker and others in this deep crop of prospects have that type of ability.

The Miami Dolphins announced Thursday that they've acquired a seasoned pro of their own in Greg Jennings. They could still use a dynamic, young playmaker and may go that route with the 14th overall selection.

Expensive as it was to land Ndamukong Suh in free agency, Miami now won't have to prioritize defense as much early in the draft. Suh's presence gives the Dolphins the green light to snag a potential franchise-changing receiver in the first round.