Former USC wide receiver Marqise Lee has been flying under the radar to a certain extent this draft season. The former All-American and Biletnikoff Award winner had a pretty fantastic college career and his skills seem to translate well to the NFL. Lee is likely a mid-late first round draft pick and could be an option for the 49ers.
The Basics:
Height: 6-0
Weight: 192lbs
Arm Length: 31 ¾"
Hands: 9 ½"
40: 4.52
Vertical Jump: 38"
Broad Jump: 127"
Shuttle: 4.01
Pros:
- Solid across the board in a number of categories: speed, route running, hands, and ability to create separation.
- Impact player on special teams with extensive experience in the return game.
- Incredible with the ball in his hands. Lee's ability to make defenders miss in the open field is uncanny.
- Works back to the ball well from broken routes or for a QB under duress.
Cons:
- Durability question marks. After remaining relatively healthy his first two years, Lee was bitten by the injury bug in 2013.
- Not great or overly impressive in any one area (other than elusiveness).
- Lee could benefit from some added muscle to help him fight through physical press coverage.
Do Your Homework:
Check out Lee's game against Oregon State in 2013 where he hauled in five receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. You can also visit DraftBreakdown.com to see more games against Fresno State, Arizona State, and games from 2012.
Why He Fits the 49ers:
Lee has the talent and skill set to develop into a true number one receiver in the NFL. With the long-term future of Michael Crabtree in doubt and the need to add natural game-breaking ability to the offense Lee would be nice fit. He'd also figures to be a challenger - if not the answer - in the special teams return game. Lee would give the 49ers a unique dual-deep threat receiver capable of beating man coverage over the top or taking short dig/crossing routes to the house. Lee is also pretty familiar with some of the west coast offensive concepts having been at USC.
Why He Doesn't Fit the 49ers:
It's probable that Lee won't be available when the 49ers pick at 30 overall so they may need to trade up to get him. My guess would be the move would have to put them, at least, in front of Kansas City at 23 or Baltimore at 17. A move like that would probably cost the 49ers one of their second or third round picks. That could be a risky move for a receiver who isn't 6-5+ and doesn't run a sub 4.4-forty.
What They're Saying:
- NFL Media Analyst Charles Davis called Lee one the most overlooked prospects in 2014.
- CBSSports.com's Rob Rang compared Lee to NY Giants speedster Victor Cruz saying: "Like the 6-0, 204-pound Cruz, Lee lacks the frame to wow scouts but his agility, acceleration, and soft hands make him a natural playmaker."
- Dan Kadar of SB Nation has Lee going 26th overall to Cleveland.
- Check out Lee's stats at cfbstats.com
Conclusion:
On the Niners Nation Podcast last month I called Lee the "safest" wide receiver prospect in the draft. I still feel that way. Lee's ceiling may not be as high as Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, or Kelvin Benjamin but his floor isn't as low as those prospects either. I view Lee as a low-bust candidate. While I wouldn't be in favor of a trade up to the middle of round one to get him, a slight jump five or six spots would be a bargain for his talent.