Terrace Marshall Jr.

15 Oct Scouting Notes: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Posted at 13:00h in 2020 Scouting Reports by
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Junior | 6’ 3’’ | 200 lb | Bossier City, LA

 

An effective deep threat who can make every catch, though he suffers with a limited route tree

 

Overview:

Terrace Marshall Jr. jumped to a hot start in the 2020 season, having two touchdowns in each of his first two games. Marshall is a bonafide talent in Baton Rouge, but filling the shoes of Justin Jefferson leaves high expectations for him. LSU is coming off of a record setting offensive season with Joe Burrow at the helm, and their short passing arsenal slices defenses with short chunk plays on quick routes to their talented wide receivers. Marshal will look to stranglehold the receiving work at LSU this season, catching balls from Myles Brennan in 2020.

Strengths:

– Not afraid to catch balls over the middle, apt performance on crossing routes as a result
– Has the attitude and strength to block effectively on the outside
– Experience lining up at every receiving position
– Impressive contested catch ability
– Has shown ability to ascend to balls in the air, towering over defenders
– Frame allows him to box out defenders on interior quick routes such as slants
– Quick and tough hands, rarely drops the football and reels it in quickly
– Has the focus to make difficult catches while under pressure from defenders, leading to even more deep route success

Areas to improve:

– Occasionally ran routes with little agency, results in some stalling of the quarterback’s progression
– Lack of quick and agile movements leads to a struggle getting open
– Effective mostly on deep balls and slants, making defenders aware of what he’s capable of beating them with
– Looks rather uncomfortable running intermediate routes
– Limited route tree limits his versatility
– Playstyle won’t fit quarterbacks or schemes that rely on intermediate route trees

Injury Concerns:

– Foot fracture in 2019, underwent surgery and missed 3 games
– Broken Fibula in high school
– Sprained ankle in high school

Projection:

Marshall was effective as a red zone threat in 2019 and that has carried on into 2020. Marshall’s calling cards are contested catches in the end zone and he excels in this field. He will also succeed in the NFL here, and many teams need players to come down with touchdowns in tight spaces. Where Marshall suffers is in his diversity. He is also effective on slant routes. With timing from his quarterback, Marshall is a near lock for 6-7 yards any time his team needs it with a quick cut inside with surefire hands and the ability to block out defenders. Apart from deep routes and slants, Marshall looks incredibly stiff running every other route. Cornerbacks are able to stick with him on intermediate routes such as deep outs and hitches. Marshall will be an effective deep route, filling a team’s role as their X receiver. If he wants to truly excel in the NFL, Marshall will need to expand his route tree and become much more agile in his route running. Expect Marshall to be drafted in the 3rd round (in an incredibly deep receiving class) and develop into a solid piece at the NFL level.

What to watch in 2020:

Marshall is good at what he does and he does it consistently. Expect more of the same deep receiving touchdowns and jaw-dropping contested catches as he solidifies himself as the No. 1 red-zone option in LSU. Marshall’s ability to get open as a result of his route running will need to improve in 2020 so as not to limit himself to a “one-trick” playstyle. Look for Marshall to exceed expectations in a multitude of different routes and plays with smoother route-running and after the catch ability. If Marshall can show an ability to create yardage after the catch it could expand his game to become much more well rounded. If Marshall can continue his production deep, while performing underneath and in the intermediate he can bring himself into the conversation as a premier receiving target in the loaded 2021 receiver class.

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