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According to a report from Ross Jones of FOX Sports, USC wide receiver Marqise Lee is scheduled to meet with the Philadelphia Eagles for a pre-draft visit. Jones notes that "the visit will be the third meeting between the [Eagles] and [Lee] in various settings." Clearly, the Eagles have shown some significant interest in Lee.
This shouldn't come as a surprise considering Eagles coach Chip Kelly is familiar with Lee from his time coaching the Oregon Ducks. As it was apparent last year, Kelly has an affinity for drafting players who performed well against his former team. Kelly once said of Lee, "[He] may be the best receiver I've had the opportunity to coach against. He's impressive on film but even more impressive [in person.]" Lee racked up a total of 20 receptions for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns in two career games against Kelly's Ducks.
Lee, 22, measures in at 6-0, 192 lbs. He attended USC for three years and finished with 248 receptions for 3655 yards (14.7 avg) and 29 TD. He also rushed for 146 yards on 24 carries (6.1 avg). Lee returned a total of 50 kickoffs for 1305 yards (26.1 avg) and 2 TD.
For what it's worth, the Eagles have been linked to Lee often in recent mock drafts. Both Mel Kiper Junior's latest mock draft and SB Nation's mock draft have Lee going to the Eagles at No. 22. Here's a scouting report on Lee via CBS:
STRENGTHS: Explosive straight-line speed that makes pressing him risky for even talented cornerbacks. Remarkably fluid athlete, capable of changing directions quickly and shows developing savvy as a route-runner, often using a hesitation move and shoulder-dip to get defenders off-balance.
His vision, elusiveness and acceleration make him a terror after the catch, whether as a receiver or returner. Plucks the ball easily and can track over either shoulder. Plays bigger than his size, showing the ability to go up and high-point passes amidst tight coverage and is an attentive, physical downfield blocker.
WEAKNESSES: Possesses a relatively slight frame and struggled with injuries in 2013, raising legitimate questions about his ability to remain healthy against NFL competition. Relies on his natural athleticism to work himself free, at times, rather than exploding out of his routes at the proper depths, showing a willingness to freelance that has led to interceptions for the Trojans.
COMPARES TO: Victor Cruz, New York Giants - Like the 6-0, 204-pound Cruz, Lee lacks the frame to wow scouts but his agility, acceleration and soft hands make him a natural playmaker. It is unknown whether Lee can salsa, but he's a breathtaking talent who should have plenty of opportunities to develop touchdown dances of his own in the NFL.
Finish off with a look at Lee's spider graph. In what he lacks in height he makes up for in leaping ability. Lee was a member of USC's track and field team. He competed in sprint relay and the long jump.
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