RB MARSHAWN LLOYD – Usc
5-FOOT-9 | 220LBS
Career Stats: 291rush 1,621yd 19td – 34REC 452YD 2TD
Pros
What pops off the screen when watching MarShawn Lloyd is his big play ability. Lloyd has a class-leading 56.7% Breakaway Percentage among the 2024 rookie RB’s, which is the percentage of breakaway run yardage (15+ yards per play) compared to total rushing yards. The breakaway runs originate from his outstanding initial burst and agility to get to the second level, followed by top-end long speed to pull away (as evidenced by his 4.46 40-yard dash). The agility is apparent even before his reaches the line of scrimmage as Lloyd use his sharp lateral cuts to create space and generate yards with his burst and sturdy stiff-arm.
Lloyd has a compact frame which when paired with his burst leads to powerful finishes and broken arm tackles. It is commonly Lloyd’s preference to win with his agility and bouncing runs outside; however, when necessary he does not shy away from contact. When Lloyd approaches contact he has the awareness to adjust his pad level and churn out extra yards. This pairing of burst and power will be especially useful for his goal line work in the NFL.
Lastly, Lloyd displayed consistent hands and a sense of urgency to turn and get upfield with his 50 career targets. The former Trojan displays the same burst and agility as a running in the receiving game, producing big plays with a knack for effectively navigating the open field. While Lloyd is likely to be a part of a committee backfield in the NFL, producing chunk plays as both a runner and receiver could lead to tremendous fantasy value, especially in PPR formats.
Cons
While Lloyd is know for his highlight, big-play ability, he is also known for his inconsistent vision and patience when identifying running lanes. Lloyd’s burst and agility help to buy more time or take a run to the outside; however, that same burst could be better utilized improving his navigation of the running lanes between the tackles. Against NFL defenses Lloyd’s varied vision and instinct to laterally voyage around pressure could result in lost yardage and ultimately less opportunity for fantasy production.
Despite his modest workload, Lloyd has displayed ball security issues throughout his collegiate career. Across 289 rushing attempts from 2021 to 2023, Lloyd had eight fumbles which amounts to a fumble every 36 rushing attempts. For comparison, in 2023 Audric Estime (209 attempts), Jonathan Brooks (187 attempts) and Jaylen Wright (159 attempts) each had only one fumble. Further, Trey Benson finished the 2023 season without a single fumble across 156 attempts. Needless to say if Lloyd is unable to quell concerns regarding his ball security, then teams may show pause in slotting him into a backfield where he is coughing up the ball every two-ish games.
Summary
After a lost true freshman season to an ACL injury, Lloyd built on each season culminating in his final and sole season at USC rushing for a career and FBS-best 7.1 yards per attempt (among RB’s with >100 attempts). Lloyd’s playmaking ability jumps off the screen, with tremendous burst and agility to generate home run plays. And with a compact frame and strong upper half, Lloyd can churn out additional yardage lowering his pad level and implementing an effective stiff arm.
What tends to lessen the impact of the home run plays is Lloyd’s inconsistent vision and ball security concerns. When Lloyd does not see the available rushing lane he tends to bounce outside, which could prove less fruitful at the next level. Further, his ball security could lead to a reduced role if he is unable to sure up the ball. For reference, in 2023 Brooks had three fumbles on 115 rushing attempts while Audric Estime, Jonathan Brooks and Jaylen Wright combined for nearly five times the rushing attempts (555 attempts) with the same combined number of fumbles (3).
As far as rookie rankings Lloyd is my RB-3 and if there is any movement post-NFL Draft it would be down slightly. I think Lloyd is a complete back however landing spot could result in me swapping he and Jaylen Wright. Fortunately, if a bad landing spot allows him to fall in dynasty rookie drafts then I am here for soak up the value.
Strengths
- Breakaway Rushing Ability
- Powerful & Compact Frame
- Receiving Upside
Concerns
- Vision & Patience
- Ball Security
2024 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid-Late 2nd Round Pick
Ideal Role: Committee Back With Big Play Upside
Player Comp: Khalil Herbert & Devonta Freeman
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
