{"id":14128,"date":"2017-02-28T10:15:06","date_gmt":"2017-02-28T15:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=14128"},"modified":"2021-03-20T14:54:02","modified_gmt":"2021-03-20T18:54:02","slug":"fantasy-spotlight-2017-player-preview-marcus-mariota","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2017\/02\/28\/fantasy-spotlight-2017-player-preview-marcus-mariota\/","title":{"rendered":"Fantasy Spotlight 2017 Player Preview: Marcus Mariota"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are nearly a month removed from an improbable Super Bowl comeback by the New England Patriots and its now time for fantasy football diehards to prepare for the 2017 season. With free agency and the NFL Draft right around the corner, the 2017 offseason is in full swing. In the\u00a0Fantasy Spotlight 2017 Player Preview\u00a0<\/em>series the focus will be on players that are\u00a0primed to make a huge fantasy impact in 2017.<\/p>\n

Fantasy Spotlight 2017 Preview: Marcus Mariota<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Marcus Mariota<\/a><\/strong> was drafted number two overall in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans with huge expectations. The athletic quarterback out of Oregon has made consistent strides during his first two seasons in the NFL. His numbers have improved in every important fantasy category through two seasons. Although there are injury concerns, Mariota looks primed for an impact 2017.<\/p>\n

Year One to Year Two<\/h3>\n

As a rookie, Mariota was very impressive despite having\u00a0a limited roster on offense. In 2015<\/a> he threw for 2,818 yards with 19 touchdowns and ten interceptions. He also ran for\u00a0252 yards and two touchdowns.\u00a0These numbers were extremely impressive for a rookie quarterback\u00a0thrust into a starting role. What makes his rookie season more impressive is the lack of star power around him. Besides tight end Delanie Walker<\/a><\/strong>, the Titans failed to have a receiver crack the 550 yard mark in 2015.<\/p>\n

In 2016<\/a> Mariota took his game to another level. With an improved roster around him including running backs DeMarco Murray<\/a><\/strong>, Derrick Henry<\/a><\/strong> and receivers Tajae Sharpe<\/a><\/strong> and Rishard Matthews<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0his numbers jumped across the board. His passing yards increased\u00a0to 3,426 and his touchdowns increased to 26. Also his interceptions dropped to nine and his rushing yards shot up\u00a0to 349. As far as fantasy rankings Mariota finished as the 16th ranked quarterback on Yahoo and the 15th on CBS.<\/p>\n

Injury Concerns<\/h3>\n

Although Mariota enjoyed great success in his sophomore campaign, his season ended with a gruesome injury. In Week 16 with the Titans still in contention for a playoff spot, Mariota suffered a fractured fibula in a 38-17<\/a> loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars<\/strong>. There is no question this injury is a concern going into the 2017 season but all reports<\/a> are his recovery is going extremely well. He most likely will skip OTA’s, but\u00a0should be 100% for training camp.<\/p>\n

2017 Projections<\/h3>\n

Assuming he\u00a0comes out of training camp with a clean bill of health, year three will be even better\u00a0for Mariota. His 2016\u00a0ADP (average draft position) of 123.7 according to rotowire.com<\/a>,\u00a0will improve\u00a0in 2017.\u00a0Naturally his rushing numbers will\u00a0take a hit. However,\u00a0with his skill position players returning,\u00a0Mariota is primed\u00a0to produce top ten fantasy quarterback numbers. The fantasy spotlight projects a stat line of 3,646\/29\/10 with an ADP of 114.<\/p>\n

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