New York Jets: 3 Mid-Round Running Back Targets In 2017 NFL Draft
2. Marlon Mack, South Florida
Height: 5-11
Weight: 213 pounds
Projected Round: 3-5
There is an old adage in sports that you can’t teach speed and Mack has that in abundance. The former Bulls halfback averaged 6.8 yards per carry last season and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
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Mack is South Florida’s all-time leading rusher and was named to the All-American Athletic Conference first-team in each of his three years with the Bulls. He tallied 15 touchdowns in 2016 and six of those scores were from 43 yards or more out. He reminds you of a younger, slightly taller version of Darren Sproles — a dynamic game-breaking threat that can keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night. Mack is also an effective receiver, especially on screen passes where he can make defenders miss in space.
Much like Foreman, Mack has an issue with ball security. In his three seasons with the Bulls, Mack coughed the ball up a dozen times and he needs to take much better care of the football moving forward. He also has a tendency to bounce to the outside too often when inside running lanes aren’t clear which can lead to negative yards from scrimmage.
Pro Football Focus gave this scouting report on Mack:
"Mack’s greatest asset is his athletic ability. His speed, acceleration, and quick change of direction always make him a threat to break off a big run. However, it is also a double-edged sword for Mack. He’s too quick to bounce runs outside and runs east-west too often. While those do lead to some of his biggest runs, there are more times where he gains nothing extra and may have actually gained more yards by just taking on a single defender in the hole or at the second level. He needs to create a better feel for when to bounce and when to stick inside."
Mack is far from a perfect running back but in the middle rounds he is well worth the gamble based on his ability to turn any play into a potential touchdown.