Gabe Marks, WR
School: Washington State | Conference: PAC-12
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 185 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late Rounds
NFL Comparison: Paul Richardson
College Statistics
Player Overview
Gabe Marks is undersized and doesn’t have any elite or special physical traits but he knows how to play football. I’ve kept an eye on Marks since last year when he posted career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. I thought he might declare early but he decided to go back to Washington State and try and work some magic with QB Luke Falk. Things didn't go as well as I’m sure Marks hoped but his talents, instincts, and understanding of the position still shined in a down year. Marks has decent athleticism and good speed but where he’ll make his mark (pun intended?) next year is likely as a slot receiver. Marks has refined footwork, route running ability, and natural hands that will afford him a chance to stick on a roster next year.
Strengths
- Has decent burst off the line of scrimmage and runs routes with precision.
- Deceptively quick, and shifty in short areas and out of his breaks. Can create separation with footwork alone.
- Natural and sticky hands can make the tough catches.
- Effort player that doesn’t stop on plays. Will work to get open and try his best to make a play when the ball is in the air.
Weaknesses
- Played outside at Washington State but his less than ideal frame will likely make him move inside in the NFL.
- No elite/special traits or tendencies like speed, acceleration, strength etc. Needs to add size if he can in the NFL.
- Not a real vertical threat due to lack of ideal acceleration. Will likely make his living on short and intermediate throws.
- Plays small at times.
Let’s see his work:
Congrats to Cougs Gabe Marks and Shalom Luani who earned invites to the 2017 #NFLCombine set for 2/28 - 3/6! #GoCougs #AirRaid #SpeedD pic.twitter.com/OwD8vg8Eu2
— WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) February 16, 2017
Gabe Marks: Polished WR who excels in the red zone, can beat press, tracks deep ball well. Leader. Highly entertaining press conferences.
— Jordan Plocher (@PFF_Jordan) February 6, 2017
.@MikeMayock's "made money" list for West team:
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) January 21, 2017
CB Fabian Moreau
WR Gabe Marks
WR Billy Brown
DE Deatrich Wise Jr.#ShrineGame
Agreed. Gabe Marks, Isaiah Ford & Corey Davis have been 3 of the best RRs studied. Excited about Marks' potential in the Slot #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/5ZnTCQh25w
— Matt Caraccio (@Matty_OS) January 20, 2017
If I had to make a quick comp to @wsucougfb WR Gabe Marks' game, it would be former #NFL WR Jerome Pathon. Both are surgical in their setup
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) January 17, 2017
No WR drafted in the last 5 yrs has had hands as small as Wazzou's Gabe Marks (800). Drops weren't an issue on tape, reports say same at EW
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) January 17, 2017
Gabe Marks having an impressive practice. Showing burst and catch radius, some long speed too #shrinegame
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) January 16, 2017
if gabe marks doesn't get interfered with that's a probable TD. Really nice touch pic.twitter.com/VHXFYXmjrA
— Ty Wurth (@WurthDraft) December 13, 2016
Profiles very well as a good Slot WR at the next level. Really enjoy watching Gabe Marks play. https://t.co/nQd12tgNWM
— Matt Caraccio (@Matty_OS) November 26, 2016
kevinmcguire: Incredible catch by Gabe Marks for Wazzu Fox College Football: Washington at … https://t.co/gUbEENtcfI pic.twitter.com/AUoUVmYwXC
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) November 25, 2016
Don't see many of these drops from #Pac12 all-time leader Gabe Marks. Wazzu came up empty on this possession instead of 7. pic.twitter.com/Zh38aH1dKG
— Patrick Woo (@P_Woo) November 20, 2016
Video: the 80-year old quarterback, Cincinnati's Gunner Kiel, finds Washington State's Gabe Marks on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/xvVxnZaaek
— Riley (@junioraumanac) January 16, 2017
Gabe Marks... not too shabby. pic.twitter.com/gMGGGnysDH
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) February 19, 2017
How He Would Fit On The Redskins
Marks would be an interesting option as the Redskins #4 or #5 receiver especially to provide competition at the bottom of the position group. I think he has some good skills but he needs to play in the right offense, likely one that runs a lot of spread and trips concepts where he can excel and do damage on underneath routes. I have a hard time seeing Marks making the team if Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson are retained. He would likely remain inactive on gameday and would really have to make his mark on special teams. I’m a little doubtful of that prospect because of Marks perceived and sometimes actual lack of physicality. Unfortunately, he doesn’t offer much as a returner either with his lack of breakaway long speed. I think Marks makes a practice squad and hopefully works on his size before getting his opportunity.