Woody Marks, the versatile running back from USC, enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an intriguing prospect with a well-rounded skill set. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 200 pounds, Marks has showcased his ability as both a runner and receiver throughout his college career.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Woody Marks, USC
College Career
Marks began his collegiate journey at Mississippi State, where he spent four productive seasons before transferring to USC for his final year. At Mississippi State, he set school records for receptions by a freshman and a running back in a single season. His career at Mississippi State culminated with 1,883 rushing yards and 1,165 receiving yards over four years.
In his lone season at USC, Marks elevated his game significantly. He rushed for 1,133 yards on 198 carries, averaging an impressive 5.7 yards per attempt, and scored 9 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 47 receptions for 321 yards in the passing game. This performance earned him second-team All-Big 10 honors.
Strengths
Receiving Skills: Marks’ most notable strength is his exceptional receiving ability. With over 250 career receptions, he has proven to be a reliable target out of the backfield. His natural hands and route-running skills make him a mismatch against linebackers in coverage.
Versatility: Marks has demonstrated the ability to contribute in various aspects of the game. His experience in both spread and pro-style offenses showcases his adaptability to different schemes.
Elusiveness and Acceleration: On the field, Marks displays impressive elusiveness and acceleration. He has the ability to make quick cuts and explode through holes, turning short gains into significant plays.
Vision and Patience: Marks exhibits good patience and vision as a runner, allowing blocks to develop before making decisive moves.
Durability: Throughout his college career, Marks has shown remarkable durability, playing in 57 games over five seasons.
Weaknesses
Power and Contact Balance: Marks lacks the ideal power for an every-down back in the NFL. He struggles to break tackles consistently and can be brought down by arm tackles.
Pass Protection: Despite his receiving prowess, Marks needs significant improvement in pass protection. His technique and strength in this area are currently below NFL standards.
Top-End Speed: While quick and elusive, Marks lacks elite breakaway speed. His 40-yard dash time of 4.54 seconds at the NFL Combine ranks 17th among running backs.
Size: At 5’10” and 200 pounds, Marks is slightly undersized for a traditional NFL running back, which may limit his ability to handle a full workload.
NFL Projection
Marks projects as a mid-to-late round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His versatility and receiving skills make him an attractive option for teams looking for a third-down back or a complementary piece in a committee approach.
Most analysts project Marks to be selected between the fourth and sixth rounds. However, his impressive combine performance, particularly his 4.54-second 40-yard dash, could potentially boost his stock.
Marks’ best fit at the NFL level will likely be in an offense that heavily utilizes running backs in the passing game. His ability to line up in the slot or out wide adds to his value as a versatile offensive weapon.
Comparison and Outlook
Marks’ playing style and skill set draw comparisons to players like D’Andre Swift. Both excel in the receiving game and possess the elusiveness to create plays in space.
While Marks may not project as an immediate starter, he has the potential to carve out a significant role in an NFL offense. His receiving ability and experience in pro-style offenses at USC should help him contribute early in his career, particularly in passing situations.
Conclusion
Woody Marks enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a versatile running back with clear strengths in the receiving game. While he may not possess the ideal size or power of a traditional three-down back, his skills as a pass-catcher and his elusiveness make him an intriguing prospect in the modern NFL.
Marks’ success at the next level will largely depend on finding the right scheme fit and role. In an offense that can maximize his receiving abilities and use him creatively, Marks has the potential to outperform his draft position and become a valuable contributor in an NFL backfield.
As the draft approaches, teams looking for a dynamic third-down back or a complementary piece in a committee approach will likely have Marks high on their list of Day 3 targets. His combination of production, versatility, and potential make him a player to watch as he transitions to the professional level.
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