MarShawn Lloyd: NFL Draft Senior Bowl profile

MarShawn Lloyd prepares for the Senior Bowl and the lead-up to the 2024 NFL draft.

MarShawn Lloyd has overcome a lot in his young football career. As a freshman, he tore his ACL in just his second practice with South Carolina and missed the 2020 season. In two years at South Carolina, he gathered 1,021 total yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

He entered 2023 as a potential top running back prospect. He transferred to USC and played alongside Caleb Williams. He helped USC become a more complete offense before declaring for the NFL draft. Lloyd’s next stop will be a trip back down to SEC country as he attends the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Pros:

  • Chip Blocker
    Lloyd has an excellent blocking form when asked to chip the free blitzer before progressing to his actual assignment.
  • Good Field Vision 
    If he can reach the second level, Lloyd becomes a real problem for a defense. He is quick in and out of his cuts, which allows him to extend plays in the open field.
  • Pass Game Upside
    Although USC didn’t use Lloyd often in the passing game, he has the skill to be utilized there. I think NFL teams will see a lot of potential in his ability in the passing game.

Cons:

  • Indecisive
    Lloyd struggled behind the line of scrimmage, deciding where to attack too often. This prevents plays from developing into the open field, where he is significantly more comfortable.
  • Run After Contact
    Lloyd struggles to battle through contact in the backfield, which could take him off some teams’ boards if they are looking for a bruiser-type running back.

Lloyd carries good size and flexibility for the running back position. He uses it to break open runs when he is faced with a defender in space or if he is running a route. His footwork will keep improving, so this could be a dominant trait in the NFL.

I project that Lloyd, with a good week at the Senior Bowl, will be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick. He is currently my RB5 behind Blake Corum, Braelon Allen, Jonathan Brooks and Bucky Irving.

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