Flyover Breakdowns: Is Terrace Marshall Jr. the answer at 37?
On the latest Flyover Breakdown, we will dive into LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Marshall is arguably the best receiver available during the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. If Howie Roseman and the Eagles follow what is expected and target a cornerback like Jaycee Horn in the first round, Marshall would be the perfect option if he’s still available in the second pick 37. The Eagles talked with Marshall on numerous occasions this offseason and he seems to be the likely choice barring any changes to the draft board.
Check out the last Flyover Breakdown on Penn State’s Micah Parsons here >>
Marshall has captivated scouts and fans across the league during the 2020 season, having over ten touchdowns in just seven appearances. Some analysts have him ranked right next to Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith on their boards. The main reason he is a step below is due to his lack of development. Marshall will be a bit of a project, but there isn’t much risk to drafting him, just that the results won’t be immediate like other prospects.
Physically he comes in at 6’3″ and 200 pounds. Marshall’s physically imposing frame has helped him become a great possession receiver at LSU. He was a dominant receiver at all three levels last season, catching 48 passes for 731 yards. His frame draws many comparisons to Detroit Lions receiver Tyrell Williams, both having nearly identical builds. Weight-wise, Terrace will need to put on some muscle going forward. Nowhere near the level of players like DeVonta Smith, and Marshall will be able to play well without it, but adding strength will take his game to a whole new level.
There is a familiar knock on Marshall, and stop me if you’ve heard this about another LSU receiver; he plays too much in the slot. The Tigers lined Terrace everywhere in 2020, and with that, he saw a lot of time and success in the slot. Playing a majority of the time, this shouldn’t hinder Marshall at the next level, having shown on numerous occasions he can perform exceptionally well on the outside.
Adding Marshall to pair alongside Reagor provides several unique opportunities for the Eagles. For one, Marshall fits seamlessly in the idea of the vertical air-raid offense and doesn’t conform to a possession receiver. With his 4.38 40-yard-dash, Terrace does a tremendous job at opening the field deep.
Another bonus is this gives you another red-zone target. Philly can live without him already having Dallas Goedert and their running game, but Marshall’s length adds another target to go to and draws attention away from Dallas, benefitting both.
Overall, bringing in a one-two punch of Jaycee Horn/Patrick Surtain and Terrace Marshall will be a home run for the Eagles on draft day. Philly won’t be a contender in 2021, so it will allow time to let Terrace Marshall Jr. develop with the Eagle’s fantastic WR coaches. With the proper coaching, Marshall can become a rising star in the city of Philadelphia.
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