MarShawn Lloyd 2024 NFL Draft projection: How high could USC Trojans RB go?
MarShawn Lloyd is one of many names in a somewhat shallow running back pool in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Unlike last year, which produced Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, 2024 is expected to produce no first-rounders at that position. But that does not mean all 32 teams should avoid the position entirely.
Lloyd may not have the best stats among his crop, but he still presents an intriguing option for whoever drafts him.
MarShawn Lloyd 2024 NFL Draft projection
When one looks at MarShawn Lloyd's college stats, they cannot help but be underwhelmed. Beginning his career at South Carolina, he redshirted as a freshman, then saw minimal stats of barely 800 yards and 10 touchdowns in his next two seasons. Upon transferring to the more famous USC in Los Angeles, he improved to 20 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games.
Even with a decent 4.46-second 40-yard dash, expect him to be at best a third-round pick, especially with the likes of Blake Corum, Jonathon Brooks, and even Trey Benson having had better college numbers than him.
With that being said, who should want him?
3 best landing spots for MarShawn Lloyd
3) Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs had a career-worst 2023-24 season, amassing only 805 yards and six touchdowns. Nevertheless, it was still better than what Alexander Mattison put out.
Just 700 yards and no touchdowns (though he did score thrice in the air)? Going 7-10 compared to his predecessor's 8-9? Being released before even completing a two-year extension? That is poor.
Zamir White, meanwhile, greatly improved as a sophomore with 451 yards and a touchdown on 104 carries; however, is he the long-term solution at the position? Even Lloyd would present better competition.
2) Cincinnati Bengals
Some Cincinnati Bengals fans are still shocked that Joe Mixon was traded to the Houston Texans a day before the new league year began. After all, he was one of their better players in the 2023-24 season, rushing for just over 1,000 yards and almost 10 touchdowns.
His replacement, Zack Moss, is a downgrade in every aspect of the word - a career backup who got lucky twice: when Jonathan Taylor got hurt in the middle of the 2022-23 campaign, then again early in the next when Taylor was holding out for more money. He needs someone to threaten his place on the roster, and could MarShawn Lloyd be that person?
Granted, his numbers do not particularly stand out, but he is still a well-regarded prospect who may just get his break as a pro.
1) Dallas Cowboys
Whenever a running back prospect is discussed, expect the Dallas Cowboys to lead the list of his possible destinations.
There is no understating this: the running back room in Arlington became embarrassingly shallow after Tony Pollard left for the Tennessee Titans to replace the Baltimore-bound Derrick Henry.
Rico Dowdle? Deuce Vaughn? Malik Davis? Snoop Conner? Royce Freeman? None of them, at least so far, are starter-caliber. Jerry Jones desperately needs someone who can test them.
Lloyd is a good investment for him. The Cowboys have the 87th pick in the NFL draft, and they can use it on a sleeper starting option like him.