Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Marquis Spruill (Syracuse) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #168 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Marquis Spruill

Position: Linebacker
College: Syracuse
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 225 lbs

Overview

Marquis Spruill was a standout linebacker for the Syracuse Orange, known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated impressive tackling skills and versatility on defense, which made him an intriguing prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Spruill exhibited excellent lateral quickness and speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays in the backfield.
• Tackling: He was a sure-tackler, often wrapping up opponents efficiently and finishing plays with authority.
• Coverage Skills: Spruill showed the ability to drop back into coverage, making him a valuable asset in passing situations.
• Football IQ: He had a solid understanding of defensive schemes and was able to read plays effectively, often anticipating the actions of opposing offenses.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 6'0" and 225 lbs, Spruill was considered slightly undersized for a linebacker, which could limit his effectiveness against larger running backs and tight ends.
• Inconsistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were moments in games where he struggled to maintain his positioning and could be caught out of place.
• Injury History: There were concerns about his durability, as he had dealt with injuries during his collegiate career that could affect his longevity in the NFL.

Overall Assessment

Marquis Spruill was viewed as a solid linebacker prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, tackling ability, and coverage skills made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive units. However, his size and inconsistency raised questions about how he would transition to the professional game. NFL teams would need to consider how to best utilize his strengths while addressing the areas of concern as they evaluated him during the draft process.