FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at USC running back MarShawn Lloyd.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: MarShawn Lloyd

MarShawn Lloyd (RB – USC)

5’9” – 210 lbs.

Background:

Five-star recruit who originally played for South Carolina. Redshirted 2020 after he tore his ACL, then totaled 64-228-1 (3.6) in the following season. Went 111-573-9 (5.2) with 18-176-2 receiving the next year before transferring to USC. Had a nice 116-820-9 (7.1) line this year before declaring.

Positives:

Escalating output over the past three years, without too much tread on his tires. Somewhat thickly-built back who runs with a low pad level and good knee bend. Seemingly at his most effective as a one-cut runner out of shotgun formations. Good decision-maker with the patience and vision to wait for and identify developing lanes between the tackles. Makes sharp, clean cuts in the backfield, and is able to make the first man miss at times when faced with early penetration. Nice lateral quickness/footwork to shuffle and get into an open lane. Knows when to put his head down and barrel ahead for what he can get between the tackles, but also has the ability to bounce runs outside and beat defenders to the edge. Shows good burst in the hole, and good speed overall; difficult to catch from behind. Runs through arm tackles once he gets going. Shows good contact balance. Elusive in the open field. Averaged 17.8 yards per reception this year on a 13-232-0 line.

Negatives:

Was never really able to lock down a feature back role in school. Didn’t take many snaps outside of shotgun/pistol formations during the 2023 games reviewed, but was there more often with the Gamecocks. Ball security has been an issue, with eight fumbles on 360 career carries. Doesn’t have a major power element to his game and can be stood up or driven back on contact. Wasn’t retained much in pass protection, or integrated extensively into the passing game as a receiver, either. Gave up a sack, a hit and eight pressures on 94 career snaps in blitz pickup. Limited snaps from the slot or split out wide on passing downs.

Summary:

A very good natural runner who has the patience, vision, quickness, burst and elusiveness to succeed at the next level, but whose value on passing downs is less clear at this point. Consequently, could be on the fringe of the second and third days, as teams may view him as a member of a running back rotation, similar to what his role has been in college so far.

Projection: Round 3-4