Jalin Marshall – WR
Jalin Marshall might be the most confusing early-entrant from Ohio State this season. Not widely regarded as a top receiver in this year’s class, he didn’t have a lot of hype behind his decision. In fact, some early injury history as a Buckeye may have played into his decision to leave early.
Wide receiver is not his original position, and he was expected to fill a role largely filled by Braxton Miller after he converted from quarterback following Ohio State’s National Championship season. However, with the ground focused offense the team rode in 2015, Marshall was just one receiver under-used and perhaps under-valued as a result.
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Built more like a running back, Marshall could provide depth in the backfield as well as in the receiving corps. His ability on special teams also makes him a potential contributor right out of the blocks.
At pro day, Marshall caught passes from quarterback Cardale Jones, and ran numerous routes from the slot, split, and backfield positions. He showed great balance on several sideline routes, and a quicker step on cuts than he was known for entering the day.
His 40-yard dash time improved slightly, but it’s important to remember his style of play relies more on quickness than straight line speed.
In an interview with the Big Ten Network, Marshall was asked what NFL teams would get if they drafted him, and he stated, “They get a guy that’s team first, who wants to win as bad as the coaches do, and will do anything it takes to help his team win…”
The Bucs could find Marshall patiently waiting in the fifth round of this year’s draft, and he’d be a valuable addition to a Bucs’ haul expected to focus on the defensive side of the ball.
Next: Braxton Miller - WR