Home Steelers Draft SCB Steelers’ Draft Journal: Marlon Mack

SCB Steelers’ Draft Journal: Marlon Mack

by Steeldad

With no clue yet as to what the future holds with DeAngelo Williams, the Steelers may well be in the market for a new running back. Could USF’s Marlon Mack fit the bill?

Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida

5’11’ 205 pounds

2016 Stats: 174 carries, 1,187 yards , 15 TDs

Key Combine Numbers: 4.5 Forty, 10.4′ Broad Jump

What’s to Like: All-time leading rusher at USF… Viable threat running the ball or catching it (28 receptions in 2016)… Great hips, hard to tell which way he’s going… Shifty style makes him hard to tackle… Can get outside very well… Good pad level allows him to move forward in traffic… Quick feet and a quick burst to match… Has the ability to run through arm tackles.

What’s Concerning: Often relies on speed too much when the prudent play is to get a few yards especially on the outside… Way too many fumbles. He fumbled 12 times in three seasons… Not a great blocker… Often asked to stalk block on WR jet sweeps and was average at best… Blitz pickup was so-so as well… Route-running is a little lazy.

The Verdict: I don’t see a guy who will be an NFL starter on a long-term basis but I do see a guy who could be really nice complimentary back. Almost half of his touchdowns were of the ‘big play’ variety so he’ll need to be in an offense that gives him a chance to get into space. He’s not going to run over anyone in the NFL and he has to be careful with ball-handling and relying on his speed too much. In the pros, that won’t fly. If the Steelers pulled the trigger on him in the fourth round I wouldn’t hate it. He needs to be coached up in blocking and ball security but you have to like some of the potential traits he brings to the table.

Link: All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals

Photo courtesy: Fox Sports

Video courtesy: Draftbreakdown.com/Youtube.com

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