C.J. Marable NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 200 Lbs
School: Coastal Carolina
C.J. Marable 2021 NFL Draft Profile
C.J. Marable started his career at FCS program Presbyterian. Marable led the Big South Conference in rushing as a freshman with 1,038 total yards. He then transferred to Coastal Carolina and became an all-purpose back for the Chanticleers in the Sun Belt Conference. Marable played at Coastal Carolina from 2018-2020. In 2018, he ran for 719 yards on 118 carries and found the endzone twice. His junior year in 2019 saw him account for 1,085 rushing yards on 204 carries with three touchdowns. Marable finished the shortened 2020 season with 169 touches for 887 yards and seven scores.
Against BYU last season, Marable had 23 carries for 132 yards on the ground. He also caught three passes for 10 yards. He helped lead the Chanticleers to a 22-17 win.
Strengths
- Fantastic straight-line speed;
- Explosive playmaker with the potential to take it to the house in open space;
- Shifty runner that can evade oncoming tacklers;
- Solid pass-catcher.
Weaknesses
- Not a good pass blocker;
- Not a good inside runner;
- Will make guys miss, but won’t break many tackles when hit;
- Didn’t go against the strongest competition.
Projection: 4th/5th Round
Teams With Need at Position: Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets
Bottom Line on C.J. Marable
Marable is excellent in pass catching and has great speed to shift past defenders after the catch. The former Chanticleer excels on the outside but struggles when running up the middle. He will have to improve at running up the middle of the field in the NFL. Marable struggled to run in the middle left direction. His lowest yards per carry came in this direction on the field. That will certainly be taken into consideration by any team that drafts him.
He has good vision to find open holes and can pull behind lead blockers. Marable also has a solid jump cut. Plus, as a pass catcher, Marable has all the tools to be a do it all running back at the next level. After the catch, he can convert quickly to a runner. He excels as a one-speed runner with marginal burst. Marable does need to improve his pass protection, adding play strength and elusiveness.
Marable could end up as a later round draft selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. He possesses the physical tools needed to succeed in the NFL. His pass catching sets him apart from other running back prospects. Marable has the capability to be an instant impact starter. However, it’s going to take some work to get him to that level.
Overall, C.J. Marable could end up becoming one of the best running backs out of the 2021 NFL Draft. It may take some time for him to get adjusted, but with his overall playmaking ability he could thrive in the NFL. Time will tell whether or not Marable excels at the next level. Any team that selects him could start him out as a second or third down rotational back with the scheme to get him receptions in the passing game on crucial situations. Marable has great size for the league and could become one of the top rotational running backs by the time it’s all said and done for his career.
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