Dishing On Marlon Mack
March 22nd, 2017
NFL Network analyst likes.
When Joe was at the NFL combine in Indianapolis a few weeks ago, Dalvin Cook said it would be his dream to reunite with America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, and South Florida running back Marlon Mack said he had spoken to the Bucs a lot.
The last time a college player told Joe at the Combine he met with the Bucs many times, it was an offensive tackle out of Penn State. The guy’s name was Donovan Smith.
So of course, Mack’s words got Joe’s antennae up.
And if you believe the words of NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks, Mack is just right for NFL offenses.
As an inside runner, Mack exhibits enough grit and toughness to grind out the tough yards between the tackles. He runs through arm tackles at the point of attack and flashes enough lower-body strength to drag tacklers at the end of the runs. On short yardage and goal-line attempts, in particular, Mack’s combination of strength and power makes him an effective scorer despite his scat-back dimensions. Although he is certainly not a power back, he has the tools to be a solid runner between the tackles.
On the perimeter, Mack has enough speed and quickness to turn the corner. He outruns defenders on the second level, exhibiting better speed than his official 40-yard dash time (4.50 seconds) at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mack is capable of taking it the distance, but he’s at his best working within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. He shows a unique combination of stop-start quickness, wiggle and burst that makes him hard to hit in the open field.
As a receiver, Mack’s strong open-field running skills complement his polished route-running skills and sticky hands. Although he hasn’t been used extensively in the passing game, Mack is effective snagging balls on the perimeter on swings and isolation routes (hitches, go-routes, etc.) from an out-wide alignment. With more teams incorporating the running back in the passing game as a slot receiver or flanker in empty and spread formations, Mack’s receiving skills could make him a three-down back in most offenses.
Obviously, the Bucs are allowed to bring in 30 players to One Buc Palace for interviews and tests. That does not apply to “metropolitan players,” who play for colleges in the same are an NFL team is housed. So Mack would not count in that 30-player limit.
Given how Mack played basically in the backyard of the Bucs, and played at their stadium, a short walking distance from One Buc Palace, it’s difficult to believe any other team would have intel on Mack like the Bucs have.
March 22nd, 2017 at 5:39 am
“MARK MY WORDS” Marlon Mack will be an exceptional runner at the next level! This kid is extremely poised and patient when allowing his blocks to setup, he poses certain tangibles that just can’t be taught. such as phenomenal field vison which allows him to hit seams effortlessly & in full stride. Great kid, Great value in round 3. If any team knew better they would do better.
PS. No way Philly,Indy,Baltimore pass on cook. Sorry guys
March 22nd, 2017 at 5:50 am
Koetter was also in attendance at the USF Pro Day yesterday. The interest is real.
March 22nd, 2017 at 5:53 am
4th round?
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:01 am
“THE MACK” would look GREAT in pewter and red!!!!!!!
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:04 am
He will not be able to run like that with the BUCS ……unless we BUILD A WALL…but not in Mexico dumb a$$!!
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:13 am
Great point Joe(s), just like M Floyd and other moves Licht did NOT make, this would speak VOLUMES on Mack. They will see him more then any other RB prospect, and if they pass, there has to be a reason considering the need the Bucs have at RB
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:15 am
BigHogHaynes could you please build a wall around your mouth. Kindly GFY.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:21 am
Everything I’ve read seems to indicate that Mack did really well at the Combine & that he’ll probably end up going in the 3rd rnd. Would love to see the Bucs draft him there, assuming he lasts that long.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:24 am
Another reason I would like Licht to acquire as many picks as possible in the late first to middle fourth.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:27 am
Yes to the wall around your mouth and to Mack.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:33 am
Rodney Adams wouldn’t be a bad late round pickup either. He has great speed just wonder if his hands are good enough for the NFL.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:39 am
Not crazy about this guy, watched a lot of hus highlights and not once did I say “wow!!!” Watch McCafferey hughlights. Lots of wows
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:41 am
They have to believe that Mack is more complete than Sims. I like Mack, but of course being from the SRQ where Mack played I’m biased. The one thing about the Bucs this year they are keeping it close to the vest, but I guess you have to when picking 19 because of the varying scenarios in front of you. I am not saying Mack is D. Cook, but playing at FSU, he would have done similar damage.
March 22nd, 2017 at 7:06 am
Not many guys coming from a pretty lackluster team, talent wise, like the USF Bulls, show much “wow”. Teams normally reach, or study the player hard in hopes of digging up something the rest of us NFL muggles can’t see on tape alone. Marlon Mack is an exceptional talent and will be an asset to any team that gets him. You’ll see plenty of “wow” when he quietly breaks 1,000 yds next year.
March 22nd, 2017 at 7:23 am
We could go with any of six or seven rookie RB and be safe – if Cook falls to us – great but dont trade up
Mack/Hunt/mccaffrey etc just too many to pick from to reach
March 22nd, 2017 at 7:34 am
I’ve been rooting for the bucs to take Mack and Adams in this draft for a while now. I think both of them are explosive players that can add value to the team, while not having to “reach” in the draft order. Mack is projected 3rd or 4th round. Adams is projected 7th round or undrafted (which I don’t think will be the case).
March 22nd, 2017 at 7:38 am
He is as good as cook with better medical and he doesn’t fumble
March 22nd, 2017 at 8:12 am
Looks to me like the Bucs might actually have a plethora of quality RB’s to pick from. That’s good cause they happen to need one. lol
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March 22nd, 2017 at 8:15 am
McCaffrey in the first round, D’onta Foreman in the 3rd round is my preference.
March 22nd, 2017 at 8:28 am
87 I was listening to that song as I read your comment lmao
March 22nd, 2017 at 8:43 am
Guys, guys, guys – I love Mack as a USF alumni and what he did for our football team but he benefitted heavily from the scheme of the offense at USF. How many here want Jameis jumping out in front of our RB throwing blocks? It happened all the time for Mack at USF. The few runs that went up the middle were effective because of A. The lack of talent of the opposing team and B. Because of threat of Quinton Flowers on those option plays.
Also go back and look at his performances in games against Power 5 schools. He didn’t once break 100 yards rushing against any Power 5 schools.
March 22nd, 2017 at 8:44 am
I think the bucs are gonna shock the NFL world and draft 2 running backs in the first 4 rounds.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:09 am
What’s everyone’s opinion on McCaffrey? I like him a lot but I feel like Sims is nearly identical in skill set. Having both of them wouldn’t work and could be a waste of a pick. IMO.
However Doug, McCaffrey, Quiz and Sims sounds pretty legit.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:10 am
Plus I don’t think McCaffrey is an above average between the tackles rusher. The best between the tackles rusher this year is Fournette BY FAR.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:15 am
McCaffrey is an upgrade over sims and he also can be useful in the return game which we surely could use. I don’t believe he could be an every down back so he’s not worth the first round pick in my eyes. That’s my opinion.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:23 am
I think if we could rely on DM that McCaffrey could be a good gadet player to add to the team. He has the ability as a RB but also as a WR. I could see a team taking him and using him as a WR instead of a RB.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:28 am
@Eric,
I really like McCaffrey, but I agree he probably won’t be much of a between the tackles runner. He was effective at Stanford, but last I checked Arizona State doesn’t play in the NFL. I think the value of McCaffery is that he is probably the best route runner in the draft, better than pretty much all of the WR’s. Also, he’s a monster as a return guy, which is something we sorely need. He might not fill the biggest need in round 1, but I think we are (finally) talented enough where we don’t have to chase after a certain position. I think he would add a dynamic to our team that we could really benefit from. That being said, I don’t think we will get him, because someone will probably fall that will be too good to pass up.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:32 am
This may be dating myself, but Mcaffrey reminds me a lot of Eric Metcalf. I always like Metcalf but his best success was not as a running back. I think Mcaffrey is an interesting player, but not a 1st round running back.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:34 am
@Eric
Completely agree on your point of McCaffrey and Sims being similar. And from everything Koetter and Licht say they seem to like Sims so I don’t see the point. Granted McCaffrey is much better than Sims imo and I think Sims is in a contract year if I’m not mistaken so if they do go after McCaffrey I would think Sims would be gone.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:42 am
Denman I like how you think. Second coming of Alstott and Dunn. I think Mccafferey is really special. I started wanting him last season before the rose bowl and pretty much got lit up for the suggestion of using a first on him. I love players who love the game, no doubt he does. With Winston, Evans, Marpet, Brate, Humphries, Kwon, VHIII and Spawn there is an incredible group of guys who love to work and love the game. Keep adding to it with CM!! All of the reports have him as a first in, last out guy. Pair him with Winston and Kwon and you just might have to put in a dorm at One Bucs Place.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:48 am
Conte… keep in mind how much better CM is than Metcalf. Loved Metcalf by the way, saw him run many times in person on turf like concrete with tear away jerseys! Any player that breaks Barry Sanders record from scrimmage has to be seriously considered Last point. With all of his touches last year he had one fumble.
March 22nd, 2017 at 10:33 am
There is no question the interest is real, but let’s be real. Koetter is likely bored out of his mind watching tape non-stop since the end of the season. This gives him a chance to get out of the office and soak in some sun in the nice weather and breathe fresh air for a change and shoot the s(p)it with other coaches.
Not like Koetter was driving to Tuscaloosa or Tallahassee or Athens. It’s like a 20-minute drive from One Buc.
March 22nd, 2017 at 10:35 am
Was listening to a podcast of Ira Kaufman and I believe the Joe’s last week. Ira stated during the show that if the Bucs draft a certain RB that this town “would explode”. That tell’s me I’m definitely not alone in my desire an I’m sure not all Tampa residents are Seminoles. I’m also sure Brass is quite aware of what the people want.
March 22nd, 2017 at 10:39 am
donte foreman in the 3rd……he and payton baber will be a good 1-2 punch…let sims stay in his current role…..GO BUCS!!!!
March 22nd, 2017 at 10:44 am
@NOLE SAYS, if the Bucs draft a certain RB that this town “would explode”…..
your right….a productive, consistent running back would make this town explode…..the fans want a rb that can be consistent and productive year in and year out……Bucs Brass know what the fans want and they will deliver….it just wont be your lover boy cook…lol….GO BUCS!!!!
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:04 am
Some of you dumb@$$’s kill me trying to show the homie up at a moments notice. My post clearly states Ira stated that. I happen to agree. Now crawl yo gaytor meat @$$ back in the swamp and continue sulking over these lashings y’all been receiving at the hands of them Noles over the last few years.
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:06 am
Draft Mixon and the national attention will follow, no such thing as bad publicity, it’ll be all Bucs all the time, it’ll start negatively of course, but when the wins and TDs start piling in, his assault will be viewed as a uncharacteristic lapse in judgment by an immature kid, a feel good story of a young black man who despite a despicable act, persevered to become a respectable adult, oh wait no one wants that to happen, they’d rather bury this kid before giving him a chance for redemption, or hope he is a Greg Hardy type person ( he’s not) so they can say they are right
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:13 am
@STDness: We’s free now Jack/@ss!!
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:44 am
They are really taking a look at this kid because the LSU,FSU RB will be gone by 19 and there might be better value than McCaffrey at 19.
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:46 am
Draft D. Cook if available at 19, otherwise draft Joe Mixon in the 2nd or 3rd round, this would be the route I take. Mixon’s highlight tape is amazing.
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:56 am
You FSU fan boys,the Bucs do not want a RB in the 1st RD.They are happy with the running backs on their team now.
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:58 am
And you can tell that all the way from cali. Gotcha👍. Mark.
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:58 am
Ya I would definitely love to have McCaffrey but it seems evident at this point that Koetter/Licht love Sims. Sims is really good in the complementary role. He led the league in ypc in 2015 for running backs and was up there in broken tackles and yac. He regressed in 2016 cuz of taking over the lead back role which he is unsuitable for.
March 22nd, 2017 at 12:01 pm
WR and TE over RB in 1st.
March 22nd, 2017 at 12:20 pm
The AAC is improving and has some good teams on the upswing competing agent the big schools. Much of Macks highlights are not facing very talented defences. Better than the sisters of the poor academy, so that’s a positive. I’ll be surprised if Mack translates to pro special.
March 22nd, 2017 at 12:35 pm
@Racy Ramone: if your gonna be a cheer/leader make sure you got your panties on!
March 22nd, 2017 at 12:51 pm
MIXON has the most up/side of all RUNNING/BACKS!
March 22nd, 2017 at 1:05 pm
As a Spanish speaking LEGAL immigrant I say Build the Wall!!
March 22nd, 2017 at 2:18 pm
The Bucs are taking a good hard look at a bunch of RBs this year because we are going to draft one. Simple as that as the simpleton would say…
You get what you pay for – more or less. But this year there ARE some bargains to be had.
Want premium talent? Its gonna cost – 3rd or more likely 2nd rd pick to trade up high enough to have a chance at getting Cook (who may be gone before we could even afford to try). Cook is the real deal and (along with Fournette) one of the best RB prospects to come out in quite a few years.
Want high end talent without over paying? McCaffrey’s your man. Dude’s gonna be a great NFL back for somebody. He can do it all well. His dynamic playmaking ability and obvious “it” factor jumps out on tape and makes him legit worthy of a mid to late 1st round pick. MCCaffrey may well be our 1st round pick if he is available and assuming Cook, Davis, Williams and OJ Howard are already off the board. But what if Davis or Howard IS available? Then we probably go that route and be glad for all the homework done on this stellar crop of 2017 RBs coming out.
Kamara
Foreman
Mixon
McNichols
Mack
Hunt
Perine
These are all good backs and good NFL prospects. In most years – all would get valued higher than they are being valued this year. Some of the above RBs will be available in the 3rd and even 4th rounds. So perhaps we go Mixon or Hunt in the 3rd round and get better value than McCaffrey in the 1st while taking care of other needs (like WR, TE and Safety) in the 1st 2 rounds – taking full advantage of the “strengths” of this draft class.
It will be interesting to see which RB we take and where. But we WILL be drafting a RB this year.
March 22nd, 2017 at 2:21 pm
I highly doubt NFL execs are looking at mccaffery as a RB.
March 22nd, 2017 at 4:35 pm
He is the plan b it seems if we can’t get cook im all for drafting Mack
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Mack will not be able to run behind our line that we have right now. Maybe the fourth and then we get stacked up next year with a great Oline.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:40 pm
To be honest, i like mack more than Cook.
March 22nd, 2017 at 6:42 pm
@SoCalBucFan
I’m not trying to get a RB in the first. Love it if OJ still around and i would like Njoku. Both have the hands and could bring power to the line.
March 23rd, 2017 at 12:03 am
I would trade a 3rd pick to move up and take Cook, but if that is not possible, I would take Howard in the first, best Safety or DE in the second, and Mack in the third, a developmental Guard or Tackle in the fourth, and bpa the rest of the way. I have faith in Licht to get the best draft.