2014 NFL Draft Profile: Marqise Lee, WR USC
By Adam Carlson
Aug 29, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) carries the ball against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Aloha Stadium. USC defeated Hawaii 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It was not a surprise when USC wide receiver Marqise Lee decided to declare for the 2014 NFL draft after his junior year. He was one of the most talked about players in college football because of his natural ability to get open and make catches.
He may not have the size of a lot of the top wideouts in the NFL, but he plays much bigger than his 6 foot tall body and 195 pound frame. He will be an instant starter on any team that selects him in this year’s draft and will produce when asked to. He doesn’t drop a lot of passes and handles himself well off the field.
Here are his statistics over three seasons at USC:
Sep 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) scores on a 100-yard kickoff return in the third quarter against the Hawaii Warriors at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
36 games played
248 catches
3655 receiving yards
29 touchdowns caught
24 rushes
146 rushing yards
50 kick returns
1305 kick return yards
2 return touchdowns
Based on those statistics alone, Lee should warrant a early selection in this year’s draft. It will be surprising if he ends up sliding out of the first round.
Strengths
- Plays bigger than his real size
- Explosive speed
- Ability to change directions on the fly
- Natural physical ability
Weaknesses
- Has struggled with injuries
- Route running, improvises too much
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota may need to replace Jerome Simpson.
My Take
I love Lee’s explosiveness and speed. However, I don’t think the Vikings will select a wide receiver in the first round of this year’s draft and have bigger needs to fill at other positions.