Fantasy Breakout Candidate: Marcus Mariota

QB Marcus Mariota |  Tennessee Titans | 2nd year

2015 Stats: 230 completions 2818 yards 19tds 34 rushing attempts 252 rushing yards 2 TDS

2nd overall pick from the 2015 draft, Marcus Mariota.  He started in the NFL with a big splash, becoming the first QB to ever have a perfect passer rating in his first game.  He threw for 4 TDs and 209 yards.  Mariota was also the youngest QB to achieve a perfect passer rating in NFL history.  He also holds the records for the most TDs in three games, a total of 8.  The most impressive record he holds is for being the first NFL player since 1983 to rush, pass, and receive a touchdown pass of over 40 yards.

Despite having a team losing record, and missing 4 games due to injuries, Mariota still showed a lot of promise in his rookie year.  Throwing to veteran TE Delanie Walker for over 1000 yards and 6TDs,  Mariota established a strong connection with his tight end.  That being said, Mariota was able to spread the ball around to his entire receiving core.  He did have a problem with holding onto the ball, having a total of 10 fumbles and lost 6 of them.  Mariota threw 10 interceptions as well.  Passing the ball wasn’t the only thing he did,  Mariota recorded the second highest rushing yards with 252 and 2 TDs.

Mariota is coming back healthy and has had an extra offseason to build his relationship with his receivers, especially fellow rookie, WR Dorial Green-Beckham.  The Titans picked up RB DeMarco Murray to help the run game, which should allow a stronger passing game.  Mariota has all the tools to be a franchise QB and lead the Tennessee Titans back to the top of the AFC South.

2016 Projection

270 completions 3200 yards 26 TDs | 20 rec 130 yards 3 TDs

Potential Breakout Percentage

60%

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