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MarShawn Lloyd NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for USC RB

BR NFL Scouting Department

HEIGHT: 5'9⅛"

WEIGHT: 217

HAND:

ARM:

WINGSPAN:

40-YARD DASH:

3-CONE:

SHUTTLE:

VERTICAL:

BROAD:

POSITIVES

— Great acceleration and burst. Flies to and through the second level.

— Home run long speed. Threat to take one all the way at any time.

— Good stop/start explosiveness. Ability to make people miss in space.

— Untapped potential as a pass-catcher. Showed quality hands and ability to win in space in limited reps.

NEGATIVES

— High, upright rushing style saps him of balance and power.

— Below-average vision and conviction as a runner. Needs to press upfield and take what is there more often.

— Unproven pass protector.

— Ball-security issues. Low, loose carriage invites the ball being punched out.

2023 STATISTICS

— 11 G, 116 ATT, 820 YDS (7.1 AVG), 9 TD; 13 REC, 232 YDS (17.8 AVG), 0 TD

NOTES

— Born Jan. 25, 2001

— 4-star recruit in South Carolina's 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Transferred from South Carolina to USC in 2023

— 19 career starts

— Tore his ACL as a freshman at South Carolina in 2020

— Missed some time in 2023 with a minor undisclosed injury

OVERALL

Marshawn Lloyd is a bundle of explosive traits who has not yet channeled that into a complete running back profile.

Lloyd plays with serious burst. To and through the line of scrimmage, Lloyd kicks into top gear instantly. He has the speed to break away and finish those runs in the end zone as well. Lloyd not only ripped off a handful of long runs at USC, but he managed to do the same on a few screens in limited opportunities.

Lloyd also has burst and wiggle at the second level. He isn't as smooth or creative as other backs, but he boasts a raw explosiveness that helps him force missed tackles.

However, Lloyd struggles at the line of scrimmage. He often hesitates when color flashes in a gap, and he does not read the leverage of blocks very well. As a result, Lloyd often takes a beat too long to get upfield or runs himself into his own blockers.

Additionally, it's rare to see Lloyd plunge forward through contact for a safe, efficient gain rather than hunt for the big play on the perimeter. Lloyd's upright rushing style makes it difficult to do that anyway, which may be why he avoids it.

On passing downs, Lloyd is kind of a mystery box. He showed unbelievable explosive potential on screens and flashed solid pass-catching traits otherwise, but he was rarely thrown the ball at USC. He feels like someone with untapped potential in the passing game. Lloyd was also rarely used in pass protection, so he will have a lot to learn there.

Lloyd is a gamble on explosive ability. His adequate size, blazing speed and nimble feet are a combination of traits worth swinging on. At the same time, Lloyd may need time to adjust to pro running schemes and develop his vision as a runner, as well as his third-down skills.

GRADE: 6.3 (High-Level Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 134

POSITION RANK: RB8

PRO COMPARISON: Ty Johnson

Written by B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

   

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