Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Marquette Smith (Central Florida) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #142 by CAR

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Marquette Smith (1996 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Marquette Smith
• College: University of Central Florida
• Position: Running Back
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 210 lbs

Overview:

Marquette Smith was an exciting prospect heading into the 1996 NFL Draft. Emerging as a standout player at the University of Central Florida, Smith showcased a blend of speed, agility, and power that made him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a dynamic running back.

Strengths:

• Excellent speed and acceleration, capable of breaking away from defenders.
• Strong physical running style, able to gain yards after contact.
• Good vision on the field, with the ability to find running lanes effectively.
• Proven pass-catching ability out of the backfield, adding versatility to his skill set.
• Durable player with a history of being able to handle a heavy workload.

Weaknesses:

• Needs to improve blocking technique to be effective in pass protection.
• Inconsistent ball security, with some concerns regarding fumbles.
• Lack of elite lateral quickness may limit effectiveness in making sharp cuts.

Draft Projection:

Marquette Smith was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft. His combination of size and speed made him a desirable option, but concerns over his blocking skills and ball security could limit his draft stock. Teams looking for a running back with potential to develop may take a chance on Smith, especially if they value his versatility as both a runner and receiver.

Conclusion:

Marquette Smith was viewed as a promising running back prospect with the potential to contribute at the NFL level. His performance at the University of Central Florida had garnered attention, and while there were areas for improvement, his natural athleticism and skill set made him an intriguing player to watch during the draft.