Draft Profile Series: Marqise Lee
- Updated: April 28, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Marqise Lee, WR, 6-0, 192, USC
Key stats: Had 118 receptions and 14 TDs as a sophomore; Had 57 and 4 as a junior.
Strengths: Was a three-year starter and dominated his sophomore season. … His acceleration and run-after-catch ability is beautiful to watch. He is a true home-run threat after he gets the ball. … Hits top gear in a hurry and is able to separate, either while running routes, or with the ball in his hands. …
Weaknesses: Has thin frame. … Needs to add some muscle and strength to help withstand punishment at next level. … Has to sharpen his concentration and consistency catching the ball. … Dances too much on occasion. … Really needs to head north-south in the NFL. … Not a natural hands catcher. … Lets too many balls get into his pads. … Many balls go through his hands, seems to have hands too far apart as well as catching higher passes with thumbs out instead of in … Does not make many contested catches, especially when he needs to make high-point receptions.
Conclusion: Big-time player in 2012, but production dropped drastically last season. … Much of that was due to shoddy quarterback play. … If you flip flop his sophomore and junior stats, I think we’d be mentioning his name as a possible top-10 pick. … However, if Lee wants to enjoy a stellar NFL career, he needs to sharpen his craft and limit the mental lapses. … Must work on using better technique to catch the ball. … If Lee can become more technically sound, his natural ability to accelerate and come out of breaks without losing speed will make him a dangerous weapon in the NFL.
NFL comparison: Greg Jennings/Jeremy Maclin.
Draft projection: Should go between picks 17-30.
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