Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Marlon Mack, RB

Marlon Mack, RB
School: South Florida | Conference: AAC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 213 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Tevin Coleman

College Statistics

Player Overview

Marlon Mack has been feasting on opposing defenses in the AAC for the past three years and is USF’s all-time leading rusher. The junior running back has run for over 1,000 yards each season, at least 8 touchdowns per season and doesn’t look half bad catching the football as well. Mack has exceptional burst and acceleration with creates the potential for him to take one to the house if he gets in open space. Mack also has great change of direction ability and has a good combination of power and balance that helps him keep upright when defenders are trying to take him down.

Strengths

• Excellent burst and acceleration. Home run threat.
• Has the shiftiness and athletic ability to cause real problems for defenses if he gets into the open field.
• Good enough hands to take on a receiving role out of the backfield.
• Excellent balance, he stays up right where a lot of backs go down he also packs some power with an effective stiff arm to keep defenders away.

Weaknesses

• Skills with agility and elusiveness didn't really stand out in close quarters he’ll need space to work his magic.
• Looks to have the style of an excellent zone/outside runner which make limit him in terms of scheme. He excels when taking the rock outside less so up the gut.
• Has 11 fumbles in his college career 5 of which have been lost.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Mack is a very talented runner but for some reason, at this time I see him more as a complimentary piece than a true workhorse. Mack is the type of back I would want on the field in early downs but one I would consider subbing out in short yardage and goal line situations. I think his strengths are zone and stretch plays that take the ball outside. He isn’t incapable of taking the ball up the gut just not nearly as effective unless the offensive line opens up a gaping hole. That said Mack has a rare blend of speed and acceleration that makes defenses hold its breath when he gets to the second level. He has good footwork but I wish he had a bit more elusive qualities to him.

That said I think he is probably the exact type of running back the team is looking for if they decide to add to the position in the mid rounds. Mack would be a true compliment to the stable of backs the Redskins have on the team already, namely Rob Kelley. Personally I’d love to see some embodiment of a “Thunder and Lightning” running back duo for the Redskins if they don’t find the full package in the early rounds.