2014 Pro Day Results: Ohio State LB Shazier, CB Roby, RB Hyde

from cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ryan Shazier pulled up just after finishing his 40 at Ohio State's Pro Day on Friday, but only after doing what he needed to do. Shazier pulled his hamstring, after not running the 40 at the NFL Combine because of a tweaked hamstring.

But the 4.36 or 4.37 he laid down in front of about 70 NFL scouts and talent evaluators, including Philadelphia coach Chip Kelly, Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer, several general managers and many scouts, made his point.

"I'm not really concerned about it because I was trying to rush it back so I can for everybody, and they were telling me I shouldn't rush things," Shazier said. "I knew I wanted to run a 4.4, around there in that range, and I got what I wanted."

Combined with the 42-inch vertical leap at the NFL Combine, Shazier has done a lot to push himself into the first round said one member of an NFL staff who said he didn't believe Shazier was a first-rounder a month ago. Shazier, after hurting himself at the start of the day, didn't do any position drills. But that was OK.

"I'm really happy with what I did," Shazier said. "I feel I kind of did what everyone watted me to do. I definitely feel like I'm a first-round pick."

Shazier also weighed in at 237 pounds, and said the main question he gets is about keeping on weight. One scout said he expected Shazier to be in the 220s, so putting on this weight for the combine and pro day, and still showing speed and explosiveness, bodes well for him.

"I feel like I can gain 10 more pounds if I had to," Shaizer said. "I feel good right now."

Cornerback Bradley Roby, who already ran well at the combine with a 4.37, put down what a scout said was the other most impressive drill of the day, along with Shazier's 40. Roby put together about a 6.7 time in the 3-cone drill, and otherwise looked smooth in position drills, as he had in Indianapolis. 

That led one evaluator to conclude the the Buckeyes are most likely looking at two first-round picks when the NFL Draft kicks off on May 8 - Shazier and Roby.

The four other Buckeyes who were invited to the comine - running back Carlos Hyde, offensive linemen Corey Linsley and Jack Mewhort and receiver Corey Brown - also worked out. Hyde, who pulled his hamstring while running a 4.66 at the combine, did not run a 40, however.

Other Buckeyes like linemen Andrew Norwell and Marcus Hall, safeties C.J. Barnett and Corey Brown, kicker Drew Basil, receiver Chris Fields and former linebacker also ran, jumped and went through drills.

Safety Christian Brynant, still working back from a season-ending ankle injury, did not work out. He said he is feeling good but isn't quite at 100 percent, and he didn't want to workout until he was full-go. He said he hopes to possibly have another workout day at Ohio State later, when Hyde may also run.

Veldheer

It's being reported that LT Jared Veldheer and the Oakland Raiders have met and a deal has been extended.

5 yr. deal with 6th year option.  $55M with $23M guaranteed.

We'll find out what happens tomorrow on "Reggie Day" (Friday).  Veldheer may test the market for the weekend to weigh more options.

update: per League source, report might be inaccurate...

update on update: The OFFER WAS EXTENDED, it's just a matter of accuracy in terms of money.  Now it's up to Jared Veldheer and his brother to sign it or throw more lines out in the water across the League.  (fyi, Veldheer's brother is now his agent...keeping the money in the family)

Obviously, the Raiders offered less than a franchise tag would've given Veldheer, roughly $11M per, so maybe $9M per is a pretty accurate amount...maybe it was $10M per who knows.  

Anyway, it's Reggie Day, let's see what happens.

2014 NFL Draft Prospect: WR Sammy Watkins - Clemson

Sammy Watkins

Wide Receiver

Clemson Tigers

Combine Numbers

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 211 lbs.

40 Time: 4.43s

Vertical: 34"

Broad Jump: 10'6"

COLLEGE CAREER:

2011 Freshman Season:  As a true freshman, caught 82 passes for 1219 yards and 12 TDs.  Also added 231 yards on 32 carries and returned 33 kickoffs for 826 yards and 1 TD.  Voted 1st Team All American by Pro Football Weekly, the Associated Press and FoxSports.

2012 Sophomore Season:  Wasn't as productive after serving a 2 game suspension to begin the season and with defenses keyed in on containing him.  Still finished the season with 57 passes for 708 yards and 3 TDs.  Also returned 13 kickoffs for 257 yards.

2013 Junior Season:  Returning back to elite form, Watkins caught 101 passes for 1464 yards (both Clemson records) and 12 TDs.  Watkins capped off his college career as the MVP of the 2014 Orange Bowl, setting a bowl record with 16 receptions for 227 yards.

HIGHLIGHTS

STRENGTHS

+ Dynamic playmaker with incredible athleticism

+ Dangerous inside or outside

+ Lethal in space; makes plays after the catch

+ Excellent burst out of his breaks running routes

+ Great body control and extension catching the ball

+ Plays much bigger than his size

+ Has the extra gear to separate from defenders

+ Great hand and eye coordination

+ Willing blocker in running game

WEAKNESSES

- Some off-field concerns from early Clemson career

- Needs to improve his release versus press coverage

- Currently lacks precision running routes

- Some durability concerns

NFL Player Comparison

The best player comparison for Sammy Watkins is a bigger version of Seattle's Percy Harvin. Harvin is dangerous anywhere on the field, lining up in the slot, on the perimeter and even in the backfield.  Like Harvin, Watkins can create and extend plays with the ball in his hands.  Clemson used him everywhere, from screens and short slants, to just letting him get vertical and separate from defenders.  Like Harvin, Watkins is an explosive quick twitch athlete who can reach full speed very quickly.  

Raiders Draft Analysis

Mike Mayock recently came out and said that Sammy Watkins is one of the best WR prospects he's seen on tape this decade.  

"He's one of the best receivers I've seen on tape in the last 10 years and I think what separates him are two different things, one, his run after the catch and secondly his toughness.  Because his combine was so good a couple of weeks ago, I think all he's going to do is catch the ball (at Clemson's Pro Day), and if he doesn't get hurt, he's going to be a top 10 pick"

That's a pretty bold statement considering that puts him in the company of some of the NFL elite: Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Julio Jones, Larry Fitzgerald, Dez Bryant among others.  Sure Darrius Heyward-Bey was the Raiders failed pick in the top 10, but Sammy Watkins comes with a ton more production and ability.

In a class that is deep at the wide receiver position, Sammy Watkins is a clear cut above the rest.  That's saying a lot about a player who will is most likely to make a difference from day 1 for any team that drafts him.  With the #5 pick, at least for me, Sammy Watkins would be the only offensive player worth taking if the Raiders stay pat.  The whole Rams contingent was on hand at Clemson's Pro Day, including GM Les Snead.  If the Rams don't find a trading partner with the 2nd pick overall, they may take Watkins.  His presence on the field would open things up underneath for last year's 8th pick Tavon Austin.

Back to the Raiders.....it goes without question that an offensive weapon like Watkins would go a long way for a Raiders offense that clearly lacks a go-to playmaker.  With Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes, the team has guys that have potential and ability but haven't shown they can be the featured receiver on this team.  Watkins would change all of that.  OC Greg Olson would have the luxury of lining Watkins all up and down the formation to create mismatches.  Also, having a reliable playmaker would help whoever the Raiders have behind center.

Like Mayock said, Watkins could be an elite player in his rookie year.  He is a complete WR prospect with little to no holes in his game.  His weaknesses are all things that will come with coaching and added experience.  The only blemish on Watkins' record was his arrest for marijuana possession after his freshman season which lead to his 2 game suspension to start 2012. Though he did have a down year in 2012 after the incident, from everything he's said in interviews and his play on the field suggests he isn't the type of player to be problematic in the NFL.

The other scenario if Watkins is available at #5 would obviously involve trading down and piling up more picks.  As much as I would personally love to see Watkins in silver and black, it would be understandable and smart for the Raiders to consider all of their options.  The Lions and Jets had both head coaches and general managers on hand at Clemson's pro day.  The Falcons had 2 of their top scouts attending as well. The Falcons own the #6 pick, while the Lions have the #10 pick overall and the Jets have #18.

I personally don't think Watkins will fall out of the top 5 picks.  Today's NFL puts great value in offensive weapons like Watkins.  Without a clear cut franchise caliber QB prospect this year, Watkins could be the 1st offensive player along with either Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews to be drafted.  

If either of those teams are in love with Watkins, that could be the opportunity for the Raiders to possibly add an additional 2nd round pick plus more.  The last time a team jumped into the top 10 to draft a WR, it was the Falcons who gave up 5 draft picks (1st, 2nd 4th in 2011; 1st and 4th in 2012).  Though a haul like that is highly unlikely, trading down with a team like the Jets could net the Raiders an additonal 2 picks in the top 100.

2014 Pro Day Results: Raiders Show Interest in Crowell

Browns, Raiders and Ravens Show Interest in Crowell

 from NFL.com:

Weather precluded former Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell from improving on his 40-yard dash at ASU's pro day Tuesday, but it didn't keep him from providing some insight into which NFL clubs have expressed interest in him of late. Crowell said the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders andBaltimore Ravens have shown the most interest in him since his NFL Scouting Combine performance in Indianapolis last month.

All three of those teams are in a transition of sorts at the running back position. The Browns traded former first-round pick Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts last year, opening the door not only for more competition at the position, but more salary investment, as well. TheRaiders' top two rushers from last season, Rashad Jennings and Darren McFadden, are set to become free agents. The Ravens ranked No. 30 in the NFL in rushing last year, and leading rusher Ray Rice followed his least productive season in five years with an embarrassing arrest.

"I have talked with the Browns and the Raiders, and theRavens I have talked to several times," Crowell said.

It's unclear whether those three clubs were in attendance at Alabama State on Tuesday. But according to montgomeryadvertiser.com, Crowell's childhood favoriteAtlanta Falcons would be the team he'd like to play for most.

Crowell, who was the 2011 SEC Freshman of the Year before being dismissed from Georgia on a firearms charge, wanted nothing more Tuesday than to show NFL scouts that he could run the 40-yard dash better than his disappointing 4.57-second combine clocking last month. Instead, his encore performance will have to wait.

"I had a good time (at the combine), I just felt like I could have done better," Crowell said. "If it wasn't raining, I probably would have clocked a 4.3. But it was raining, so I didn't think it would do me any good to do it."

A 4.3 is an awfully bold prediction just two weeks after a 4.57. That would be an improvement of more than a quarter of a second. Consider that the pro day 40 run by Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack Tuesday, 4.55, created a buzz just in improving 0.10 seconds from his 4.65 combine clocking.

If his rescheduled 40-yard dash comes close to a 4.3, you can bet more than just three teams will be ringing his agent's phone.

***********************************

There has been some talk in scouting circles that Crowell is the most talented running back in this year's class.  A pick like Crowell on Day 3 of the draft would be a high value pick from a talent standpoint.

From CBSSports Dane Brugler after the Combine:

Arguably the most gifted running back in this draft class, Isaiah Crowell has NFL talent, but it's the extra baggage that will likely determine his landing spot in the draft. Two years ago at this time, Crowell was coming off a productive true freshman season at Georgia and was arguably the top running back in all of college football. But he often found himself in the coaches' doghouse throughout his freshman year and was eventually dismissed from the program in June 2012 after a weapons-related arrest. 

Crowell resurfaced at Alabama State where he starred the past two seasons, leaving school after his junior year for the 2014 NFL Draft. The weapons charges were eventually dropped and he has stayed out of the police blotter since, but Crowell is still focused on damage control during the interview process."All the teams want to know about the past situation," Crowell said on Friday. "It was a mistake, childish mistake. I'm a different person now. More mature now, trying to put it behind me." 

On the field, Crowell has the quickness and strength to be productive in the NFL and he pointed out his pass protection and hands out of the backfield as his strengths. He also added that it's "not all about him anymore" with a son at home, pointing out his desire to stay humble and keep his dreams in sight."I played against lower competition, so I feel like I still have a lot to prove."The baggage from his past is there. But Crowell is definitely focused on the future. And if that's truly the case, the NFL team that takes a chance on him might find a gem in the middle rounds.

Here's his draft profile via CBSSports :

STRENGTHS: Crowell is a dynamic athlete with the explosive feet and shifty moves to quickly change directions and redirect his momentum to keep defenders off balance. He has a lean frame for the position, but is tougher and more physical than he looks, never afraid to lower his pads and get his nose dirty. By keeping his legs churning, Crowell is able to slip through tackles and break free. Once in the open field, he can out-run defenders to the end zone. He wasn't used much in the passing game, but he has shown soft hands as a pass-catcher and displays accurate awareness in pass protection.

WEAKNESSES: Crowell has some durability concerns, but his character and off-field decision-making are the big questions with his draft stock and something that will be thoroughly investigated by NFL teams. Crowell failed a drug test while at Georgia and was charged with two felony counts of possession of a firearm. Further, he hasn't shown ideal toughness, struggling to play through relatively minor leg injuries throughout his collegiate career.

COMPARES TO: Bryce Brown, Philadelphia Eagles - In terms of style, Crowell might be a mix of Brown and his flashier, more talented teammate LeSean McCoy but the off-field concerns that caused the clearly gifted Brown to slip to the seventh round of the 2012 draft warrants this comparison.

From a purely talent standpoint, Crowell may just be the best runner in the 2014 draft. Questions about his toughness and dependability, however, make him very much a gamble that some teams simply won't be willing to take.

Click for Original Article

2014 Pro Day Results: Auburn DE/LB Dee Ford

from NFL.com:

Former Auburn defensive end Dee Ford turned in unofficial 40-yard dash times of 4.53 and 4.59 at the school's pro day event Tuesday morning, according to Auburn's official Twitter feed. Ford also bench-pressed 225 pounds 29 times, which would have ranked him 10th among the defensive linemen at theNFL Scouting Combine, and broad jumped 10 feet, 4 inches, which would have ranked tied for second.

Prior to being medically disqualified from performing at the combine, Ford called himself the best pass rusher available in the draft and mocked the notion that South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney's impressive physical measurements made Clowney the conclusive choice for that distinction. If Ford's official 40 time matches his second unofficial 40 of 4.53, he'll have matched Clowney's official 40-yard dash at just 14 pounds lighter than the 266-pound Clowney.

It was the sort of validation Ford needed to not only establish himself as one of the draft's elite athletes, but as well to quell any concerns about the back surgery he underwent in 2011, which prompted his absence from combine workouts. At 252 pounds, he is considered light to play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but could be ideal as a pass-rushing linebacker in a 3-4. Ford said at his combine news conference that teams that showed the most interest in him operated 3-4 defenses.

Ford is regarded as high as a late first- or early second-round choice, and appears to be competing with Missouri's Kony Ealy to be the second defensive end chosen after Clowney, who has been projected as high as the No. 1 overall choice. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah sees both Ealy and Ford as early second-round value, ranking Ealy the No. 33 prospect in the draft in his latest top 50 list, and Ford close behind at No. 38.

NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said earlier on Tuesday that Ford's pro day performance would be critical in light of the back issue that prevented him from competing in Indianapolis.

More from Auburn Pro Day here.

Just to refresh everyone's memory of what Dee Ford said in an interview about Jadeveon Clowney:

"I'm better. Let's put it like this. People like to talk about size all the time. Size is pretty much overrated in my eyes. You can look at guys like Robert Mathis, Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller. These are 6'2" guys and under. People are just looking at the fact that he's a physical specimen. Honestly if you watch the film, he plays like a blind dog in a meat market basically. I play with a lot of technique. I watch a lot of film. These are the things I do and it shows up."

2014 Pro Day Results: GM Reggie McKenzie on Hand to Watch Mack

from NFL.com:

Some big names were on hand Tuesday morning for Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack's pro day event, and the first-round prospect didn't disappoint.

According to NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport, Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine andOakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie were on hand for the workout. Call it due diligence for high-ranking officials from two NFL clubs who have a clear need at the quarterback position, but have no guarantee of getting the quarterback they might want most. McKenzie, particularly, figures to be in greater need of an immediate turnaround in Oakland, something a quarterback would figure to deliver more readily than a linebacker.

The Browns hold the No. 4 overall pick, while the Raiders have the No. 5 choice in the May 8-10 NFL draft. If South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and two of the three top-rated quarterbacks available -- UCF's Blake Bortles, Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater and Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel -- make up the first three picks of the draft, the Browns could be faced with a choice between Mack and the unpicked quarterback. And if the club isn't sold on what's left at the quarterback position, Mack could easily be the best option. If one of the draft's elite offensive tackles is chosen in the top four picks, the Raiders could be faced with a similar choice.

NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt reported a 40 time of 4.55. Mack's 40 time and impressive workout in front of representatives from every NFL team might have helped himself move up some draft boards.

Mack's official combine time was exceptionally close to his two unofficial times in Indianapolis of 4.62 and 4.66. The 40-yard dash is the only pro day event Mack participated in, a strong indication that he might have prepared for the 40 exclusively in the interim between his combine workout and Tuesday.

click for original article

CBS: Pro Day Article List

Great Resource over the next couple of months.

CBS Pro Day Write Ups

2014 Pro Day Results: Minnesota, Ole Miss & Pittsburgh

Information courtesy of Gil Brandt of NFL.com, CBS Sports, Tony Pauline of Draft Insider and around the internet:

OLE MISS:

from Gil Brandt:

Scouts from five NFL teams, as well as a coach from one — Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers coach Bob Bicknell — watched 18 players work out at Ole Miss’ pro day Monday. The workouts took place indoors and on field turf.

Donte Moncrief, who participated at the NFL Scouting combine, was among the 18 players who worked out, but three others looked like they were good enough to bring to camp as free agents.

Donte Moncrief, WR: Moncrief was weighed and measured (6-foot-2 3/8, 219 pounds) and did position drills only. Scouts said that he looked very, very impressive.

Jeff Scott, RB: Scott measured in at 5-6, 165 pounds, and posted times of 4.49 and 4.47 in the 40-yard dash. He’ll probably be a free agent.

Michael Marry, LB: Marry (6-2 1/4, 256 pounds) ran a 4.96 in the 40. He also posted a vertical jump of 30 inches and a broad jump of 9 feet, 4 inches. He’ll be a free agent only.

Charles Sawyer, CB: Sawyer (5-10 7/8, 186 pounds) ran a 4.56 in the 40 and posted a vertical jump of 37 inches and a broad jump of 9 feet, 2 inches.

PITT:

Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald was not in a racing mood on Monday.

Donald, a 287-pound three-technique and NFLDraftScout.com's 22nd-ranked player overall, allowed his 4.68 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine to stand while going through position drills at Pitt's pro day, held at the Panthers' indoor facility.

Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans made Pitt his first pro day stop as an NFL head coach. Four quarterbacks coaches and Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly were also in attendance according to Pitt's Sports Information Department.

Donald's height (6-foot 5/8-inch) is the only legitimate nick on his evaluation. He plays with power, suddenness and violent, jolting hand strength to shed blocks. With the momentum gained at the NFL Scouting Combine and as a dominant, award-winning defender last season, Donald could come off the board in top 15.

Quarterback Tom Savage, who could be a late-round riser, went through a scripted workout of 100 passes. Savage (6-4, 228), has the arm strength to be at least a quality backup.

A two-time transfer, Savage said he patiently explains to scouts that his travels should not be a red flag. But his limited experience against FBS defenses do complicate Savage's evaluation. Savage, who also attended Rutgers and Arizona, said it doesn't have to be a negative.

"I've been in three different systems, probably four or five different offensive coordinators. I don't even know anymore I've been to so many schools," Savage said. "You kind of have to pick it up on the run. You have to learn on your own. At Pittsburgh, I had to walk on and earn my spot. I had to pick up the offense and learn it by myself. Being ineligible you can't offer to much to the team. You really have to grind in the film room and pick it up on your own, kind of like the NFL will be. There will be veterans that know the playbook. They're not going to slow down for some rookie."

Wide receiver Devin Street (6-3, 198) said Monday that some scouts timed him below 4.5 seconds in the 40 after going 4.55 at the Scouting Combine.

"A lot of teams had me at 4.46 today," he said.

The possible fourth-round pick is NFLDraftScout.com's 21st-ranked wide receiver in what is regarded as a very deep class.

MINNESOTA

After strong showings at last month’s NFL Combine, Ra’Shede Hageman and Brock Vereen had little to prove Monday at the Gophers’ annual Pro Day.

But Hageman and Vereen were both among the Gophers who turned out for an event that drew officials from 19 NFL teams at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex.

The Vikings had at least 15 people there, including new head coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman. Zimmer was on the field giving instruction as the players went through their position drills. What did he say to Hageman?

“He just said I was doing well,” Hageman said. “There were some good things they saw, and obviously, ‘Keep my phone on.’”

Indeed, Hageman has a good chance of becoming first Gophers player picked in the first round since Laurence Maroney in 2006.

Of course, Hageman will have to wait two more months to find out, as the NFL Draft has been moved back to May 8-10.

“That is a very long time,” he said. “So I think I’m just going to barricade myself in my room. Just play video games and just work out.”

Vereen stays focused

Vereen and Hageman did position drills and let their numbers from the Combine speak for themselves.

At the Combine, Vereen ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds and did 25 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press – more than any other defensive back.

“I feel like I opened some eyes at the combine and I wanted to show them [during Pro Day] that it wasn’t a fluke or anything like that,” Vereen said.

Vereen is a potential mid- to late-round pick, but don’t get him going about the speculation.

“I haven’t watched ESPN in two months,” he said. “I haven’t watched NFL Network. If somebody starts a conversation about that, I tell them to stop. I’ll worry about that in May.”

He said he plans to watch the draft with his family in California, including his brother Shane Vereen, the New England Patriots running back.

“I can’t just sit and watch the TV,” Brock Vereen said. “We’ll probably go bowling or something.”

Engel update

Former Gophers wide receiver Derrick Engel had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee on Dec. 3, so all he could do was watch Monday.

But Engel hopes to be running full speed in April and be cleared for free agent workouts in May. How fast could Engel run the 40 if he were healthy?

“I think if I really trained for it, I’d have the potential to go sub 4.4 [seconds],” he said. “That’s kind of the goal I’ve set for myself. … Judging off Brock, I know we’re pretty close in speed and I’ve beat him in conditioning races.”

Other Gophers standouts

* One highlight of Pro Day came in the weight room, where former Gophers defensive tackle Roland Johnson did 40 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. For comparison, Hageman did 32 at the Combine.

“Actually, I expected to get 50,” Johnson said. “The record is 49, and that was my goal.”

* Former Gophers cornerback Jeremy Baltazar ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and did 27 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press.

* Former Gophers linebacker James Manuel ran the 40 in 4.53 seconds and posted a 37-inch vertical jump.

2014 NFL Draft Prospect: WR Marqise Lee - Southern California

Marqise Lee

Wide Receiver

Southern California

Combine Numbers:

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 192 lbs.

40 Time: 4.52s

Vertical: 38"

Broad Jump: 10'7"*

COLLEGE CAREER

2011 Freshman Season:  Lee took USC by storm, piling up 73 receptions for 1143 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Lined up opposite Robert Woods, the two set a school record for combined receptions (184) and yards (2435), more than any other tandem in school history.  Awarded Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year and 2nd Team All Pac-12.

2012 Sophomore Season:  Lee followed up his freshman season with a better sophomore campaign, compiling 118 catches for 1721 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Marqise set two Pac-12 records in the process, racking up 345 receiving yards against Arizona and totaling 251 return yards against Oregon the following week.  He capped off the season to become the first Trojan to win the Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in the nation.  Awarded Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All Pac-12 and unanimous 1st Team All-American.

2013 Junior Season:  Without QB Matt Barkley and running mate WR Robert Woods, and hampered by nagging leg injuries, Lee had an overall disappointing year.  In 11 games, Lee caught 57 passes for 791 yards and 4 touchdowns.

HIGHLIGHTS

STRENGTHS

+ Explosive and athletic

+ Above average route runner and willing blocker

+ Knows how to gain yards after the catch

+ Exceptional vision in traffic

+ Can be a gamebreaker in the return game

+ Great at getting vertical and tracking the deep ball

+ Has the extra gear and burst acceleration to extend plays

+ Solild character guy who's self-motivated and competitive

WEAKNESSES

- Average size; nagging leg injuries question durability

- Ball security in traffic

- Bit of a body catcher

- Needs to improve fighting for jump balls 

- Ran slower than expected at Combine

NFL Player Comparison

Marqise Lee's ability to turn up field and get yards after the catch is very similar to current New York Giants WR Victor Cruz.  Cruz is a very crafty route runner who can run the same route differently to throw off defensive backs and keeps them off balance.  Lee is very similar in that respect, in that he sets up opposing defensive backs by exploding out of his break and gaining separation.  It would be a mistake to compare Lee to his former high school and college teammate Robert Woods.  Though Woods shares a lot of Lee's traits, besides the size and build, the two are very different players.  Lee is much more explosive and plays much bigger on the field.  Lee has the ability to have a higher pro ceiling than Victor Cruz.

Raiders Draft Analysis

If there is one prospect in this draft that I believe has been getting a bit overlooked, its Marqise Lee.  For as much publicity and hype as Clemson's Sammy Watkins has been getting (and deservedly so), Marqise Lee is very much his equal in his body of work.  

Lee checks off a lot of things that the Raiders are looking to add this offseason.  He fits a position of need, and though he doesn't have ideal size as a potential #1 WR, he has all the desired traits teams look for in a primary wide receiver.  On that note, when you watch Lee play on the field, he looks and plays like a much bigger WR than his measured size.  Having played at SC, Lee is well versed in the West Coast Offense but will have no problem with teams running more vertical passing principles.  Lee is a deceptive route runner who has an understanding of how to set up the opposition to create separation and space.  He's a terror after the catch, using his exceptional vision to set up blocks and sift through traffic.  He's also very good tracking the deep ball and seeing the ball into his hands.  Lee is also very good in the return game and running end arounds and reverses.

A very underrated part of Marqise's game is his willingness as a blocker.  He has no issues with locking up his man and playing through the whistle.  Any team is going to be happy with Lee in that regard, and it shows a little bit more about him as a prospect in terms of his commitment to the team and the offense even if he's not in the play.  The reason why I mention that is that a large number of WRs don't do that.  We hear often about guys in the collegiate or in the pro ranks (especially those that are talented) who have questions about focus and effort when the offense is not running through them.

There isn't much of Lee's game that is a glaring negative.  He had a down year last season, but much of that should be attributed to the underwhelming talent at QB, not to mention the mess that was Lane Kiffin.  The nagging injuries issue has more to do with perception.  If its just said that Lee had nagging injuries that plagged his 2013 season, then its easy to put the durability issue tag on him.  But the reality of it was that though Lee did get injured, it had more to do with his desire to play and help his team on the field that caused those injuries to linger.  As for his lack of prototypical size, the success of guys like Antonio Brown and Victor Cruz has shown that given the right system, its not going to matter.  Lee has every bit the talent of both of those pros.

If there are things that Lee needs to improve, one of them is increasing his catch radius.  This is where Sammy Watkins edges Lee.  Watkins is very good at adjusting to poorly thrown balls coming out of his break because he can snatch the ball out of the air without breaking stride.  Lee at this juncture is more of a body catcher, but does display good, consistent hands.  If Lee can get better at extending his arms and pluck the ball out of the air, he'll become even more dangerous than he already is.  The other area of his game that he can improve that is related to his catch radius is in the red zone.  Lee could do a better job of attacking the ball on jump balls where there isn't a lot of room to operate.  He's already displayed exceptional explosion with his Combine numbers (vertical and broad jump), so its just a matter of using that athletic ability and honing his technique and body control.

There's been some talk about Marqise's timed 40 yard dash at the Combine and how that affects his draft stock.  Even his former coach Pete Carroll was surprised with his 40 time.  There are prospects who need to solidify their position by running a fast 40.  Lee's speed, quickness and burst were never in question while he was at USC.  In the open field, Lee rarely gets caught from behind.  In my opinion, Lee's 4.5 40 time shouldn't be a cause for concern.  He's expected to improve that number at USC's Pro Day on March 12th.  At the end of the day, it is his functional speed on the field that is more important.

Currently with the #5 pick, it would be a major reach in the eyes of most people if Oakland were to make Lee the pick.  He would be a great pickup for the Raiders if they can move down and accrue additional picks.  Lee's addition to the current crop of Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes would be a major plus.  He's projected to be picked in the second half of the first round and I've even seen as low as early 2nd round.

I doubt Lee stays on the board that late, but with such a deep prospect pool, anything could happen.  In a best case scenario, the Raiders would draft a pass rusher like Clowney or Mack in the 1st round and have Marqise Lee sitting on the board with the 36th pick in hand.  Lee's ability to line up and down the formation along with the current group of WRs would greatly energize the offense.