NFL Notes: Marcus Mariota, Stevan Ridley, Browns, & Jaguars

Marcus Mariota

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that “the more the draft comes into play and the more quarterback-needy teams study the available talent, the more I become convinced that Marcus Mariota is going second overall.”

According to La Canfora, the Buccaneers brass are “increasingly sold” on taking Florida State QB Jameis Winston with the first-overall pick.

La Canfora mentions that there are more than enough supporters for Mariota to justify him being the No. 2 overall, even if it requires someone to trade up with the Titans to get him.

One source tells La Canfora, “If there are three or four teams trying to trade up for him, then there’s going to be a lot of pressure on [Titans HC Ken Whisenhunt] to take him if they keep the pick.” as one source put it.

As for which teams La Canfora believes could make a move to acquire Mariota, he lists the Rams, Browns, Saints, Chargers and Eagles.

Stevan Ridley

Mike Reiss of ESPN mentioned during his Thursday chat session that free agent RB Stevan Ridley is looking for the best situation to maximize his opportunity next year.

“[M]y sense on Ridley is that he’s looking for the right situation where he’ll have the best chance to maximize a one-year ‘prove-it’ type deal,” writes Reiss. “So it’s not like he doesn’t have options, it’s just choosing the right option.

“That could ultimately be the Patriots, but right now, I don’t think that’s the mindset.”

The Cardinals and Chargers could be in the market for a running back, but they are just speculative options at this point in time.

Browns

• Charles Robinson reports that even after signing veteran WR Dwayne Bowe to a contract, the Browns are expected expected to be in the mix for a receiver at the top of the draft.

Jaguars

• Mike Garafolo FOX Sports reports that the Jaguars were “lurking” in regards to WR Dwayne Bowe before he signed with the Browns Thursday.