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The Eagles want to add some flash to the wide receiver position following the DeSean Jackson's exit from Philadelphia. The team has talent at the position, but Chip Kelly believes that every position is worthy of an upgrade and/or competition in the offseason. A wide receiver that Kelly is very familiar with from the Pac-12 is USC's Marqise Lee, who had 20 catches for 344 yards and 3 TDs in 2 games against the former Oregon head coach and his team. Lee was also recently revealed to be the Eagles' pick in the BGN Mock Draft.
College Career
A football and track star from Inglewood, CA., Lee committed to USC in 2011. The true freshman appeared in 12 games (eight starts) in his first year at USC. He accumulated 73 catches, 1,143 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. He added another 33 yards on five carries and returned 10 kickoffs for 285 yards and a touchdown. He was a second team All-Pac-12 selection and was the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2012, Lee started all 13 games and caught 118 passes for 1,721 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He also returned 30 kickoffs for 856 yards and a touchdown. His receptions were first in the nation, while his receiving yards were the second most in the country. He won the Biletnikoff Award, Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American due to his incredible season.
Lee's final season at USC was marred by a left knee injury that bothered him throughout his junior campaign. He struggled and caught just 57 passes for 791 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games. He also returned 10 kickoffs for 164 yards. He was also a long jumper and sprinter for USC throughout his college career.
Combine Numbers
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 192 lbs
Arm Length: 31 3/4"
Hands: 9 1/2"
40: 4.52 seconds
Vertical Jump: 38.0 inches
Broad Jump: 127.0 inches (3rd among WRs in 2014)
Shuttle: 4.01 seconds
Strengths
Lee has the ability to go deep and make impact plays down the field. A team captain, Lee is a gamer and will sell out for a pass despite his size and injury history. He is willing to block and is not afraid of contact. He was extremely productive in his first two seasons at USC and is dangerous as a receiver and returner. He has good lateral movement and is terrific changing directions after the catch. He has good vision and is deadly on screens.
Weaknesses
Lee's junior year injuries are worrisome from a durability perspective. He's not very thick and lacks strength for his size. He sacrifices his body a lot and that play style may make him an injury concern for teams. He is a terrific athlete but his speed seemed to be spoiled by his left knee injury, which hampered him as a junior. He is easy to take down, which could impact his ability for YAC in the NFL.
Eagles Outlook
Two current members of the Eagles organization have spoken very highly of Lee in the past. Here is what Kelly had to say about the receiver:
"He may be the best receiver I've had the opportunity to coach against. He's impressive on film, but even more impressive when you watch him in person."
Eagles backup quarterback Matt Barkley had this to say about his former teammate:
"You expect greatness from Marqise whenever he touches the ball. He does tremendous things with the ball."
The Eagles clearly have a good background on Lee. He is probably not the top wide receiver on their board, but could be an appealing option at No. 22. He was scheduled to meet with the Eagles during the process, so Lee is likely a potential pick for the team. If they can get over the injury concerns, Lee may be the guy for them in the first round.
Trust Your Own Eyes