Name: Marqise Lee
Position: Wide Receiver
College: USC
Marqise Lee is an explosive wide receiver who burst onto the scene as a freshman with 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He progressed further as a sophomore before poor quarterback play and drops creeped into his game and left everybody wondering what his long-term value was. In 2014 we will find out just what the former Trojan is made of.
How Marqise Lee Meets Team Needs
The Jets took a gamble in the 2013 NFL Draft when they selected Geno Smith in the second round. While he is still young and raw, the former Mountaineer did not splash onto the scene quite like the New York franchise would have hoped. Adding a talented wide receiver who can stretch a defense will be just what the doctor ordered for Smith who needs a safety valve. Santonio Holmes was released in the off-season and, while Stephen Hill showed flashes of his potential, the former first-round selection has also failed to set the league alight.
Impact As A Rookie
In the Jets’ offense Lee would be an immediate starter opposite Hill with Jeremy Kerley remaining in his favored slot position. What Lee does when he gets on the field will be entirely up to him. His athleticism is exception and he plays tough, hard football at the same time. Get the ball in his hands and he will torch even the best of NFL defenses. However, questionable hands have been a problem and could slow down his progress. As well as at wide receiver, Lee excels in the return game and can return kicks as good as anyone.
What Lee Does Well
Lee is extremely athletic and will slash open even the best of NFL defenses with the ball in his hands. If he gains a step on a slant pattern and the ball finds its target he has the speed and agility to outrace defenders. Furthermore, he couples his speed and finesse with toughness and is not scared to play physical football. Finally, Lee plays football the right way and never gives up no matter what the circumstances.
What Lee Struggles With
Catching the football. Obviously, wide receivers must catch the ball in order to succeed and he does – 248 receptions and 29 touchdowns in three years speak for themselves. The problem lies within Lee’s catching technique which sees him bring the ball in with his body more often than not. To minimise drops, wide receivers need to catch the ball with their hands away from the body so the ball does not bounce off the chest or abdomen. It is a problem that can be worked on by professional coaches but catching the ball naturally is a gift and cannot always be corrected – Lee may have to work with the problem rather than around it.
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