NFL Draft Profile: Cassius Marsh
Sept. 22, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive end Cassius Marsh (99) reacts during the first quarter of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
With the NFL Draft coming up this week, GJB will be breaking down some of UCLA’s potential picks. Today we look at defensive end, Cassius Marsh.
Vital Stats
Height: 6’4”, Weight: 252 lbs., Arm Length: 32 3/4”, Hands: 9 1/2”
His Time At UCLA
Marsh was a fan favorite with those that followed the defense. He could always be relied on to make a big play or spark the D when they needed to pick up their game. He was threat to any offense that faced the Bruins, as well as a threat to opposing defenses. A few times he was utilized as part of a short yardage “package” on offense with Eddie Vanderdoes and Myles Jack that saw him catch a touchdown in a game.
Last season he was 8th in total tackles on the Bruins with 60, but second in tackles for a loss (10.5 for 56 yards) and sacks (6.0 for 41 yards) only to potential first round pick, Anthony Barr.
Combine Statistics
Grade: 5.29
The 40: 4.89 sec
Bench: 14 reps
Vertical: 32.0 inches
Broad: 108.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.08 sec
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.25 sec
Why Marsh Will Be An Asset
Cassius Marsh is the quintessential defensive lineman. He is big, angry, intense and gets after the ball. He has good pursuit and and makes sure to finish every play, sometimes too much. He will be a lot to handle for offensive linemen because he does not quit on plays.
What Marsh Has To Improve On
Just like most college football players going to the pros, Marsh needs to improve his strength. If he gets stronger, he will be able to maneuver through the O-line better. He also needs to keep his emotions in check. As a DE, you want your guys to be a bit more edgy, but not to the point where they will be kicked out of a game, which happened to Marsh last season at UCLA.
Summary
Marsh is a good pick up for any team. He will have to improve his overall game, but should do fine in a back-up role for the next few years until he manages his new schemes. He is projected to go Round 4-5 by NFL.com and Round 6-7 by CBSSports.com, which means he may get picked up on day two or three. That is not a bad thing if a team can bring him in and develop his skills, because if he eventually becomes an NFL starter, he s going to give offenses hell.
Mike W.R.
Twitter: @TheBigDisco