Maybe it was the kind of rumor that started in someone's mind, the idea that Eagles coach Chip Kelly would try to engineer a trade-up for his former college quarterback, Marcus Mariota. Philadelphia is currently picking 20th in April's draft, so it's a big climb for a player who will probably be a top-5 pick.

But PhillyVoice's Jimmy Kempski, who initially dismissed the rumor, now thinks the Eagles are indeed angling to make that big move. Kempski accurately called the release of DeSean Jackson at this time a year ago, so he's got plenty of credibility. We know the Eagles aren't happy with Nick Foles anymore, and Kelly's offense needs a quarterback on the same page with the coach. Mariota qualifies.

Such a pairing would not only be good for the Eagles but also Mariota, as both Foles and Mark Sanchez were viable fantasy options in this offense. Mariota is viewed as a quarterback who will take some time to develop, but his learning curve would no doubt be aided by playing for his former Oregon coach.

This is the time of year we hear a lot about big pre-draft trades, and very few of them actually come to pass. The Eagles moving up for Mariota would be awfully costly; certainly next year's first-round pick and other early picks at a minimum. But there's no more important position in football, and if Kelly views Mariota as a guy he can win championships with, no cost may seems unreasonable.

--Andy Richardson