Player: Brandon Marshall.
Ht: 6-1. Wt: 245.
Round 5, Selection No. 142.
School: Nevada.
Marshall says:
"I feel like I'm very athletic. I think I'm well-rounded in the game. I'm good in run defense, and I feel I can do a lot of good things for the team."
Jaguars linebackers coach Mark Duffner:"He's got versatility. He can play middle or outside linebacker. He does a nice job of staying square to the line of scrimmage and – as we like to say – attacking downhill. He's been a productive four-year starter. I also think he's a strong factor on special teams."
Quick bio:
Marshall was a regular starter his last three seasons at Nevada, starting all 38 of the team's games over that span. He registered 145 career tackles with six sacks, including 49 tackles and two sacks last season. He also forced three forced fumbles and three interceptions.
Quick take:
Despite a history of injuries, Marshall was remarkably durable at Nevada. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in 2009 and 2010 to repair meniscus tears in his left knee and also missed time in spring practice in 2010 with a fractured bone in his right foot. Despite that, he was durable, and did not miss a college game. Marshall said the knee injuries were minor and no longer an issue.
What he brings:
Duffner said he expects Marshall can contribute inside and outside, and also should be a factor on special teams. Duffner also said while analysts believe Marshall is slow as a linebacker that he plays fast on the field and makes plays.
Why it happened:
The Jaguars expressed interest in Marshall throughout the pre-draft process, and Duffner kept in touch with him with weekly phone calls in recent months. "I was hoping I'd go to the right fit, and if the coach thinks highly of you, it's the right fit," Marshall said. He said the Jaguars were the only team to stay in contact consistently before the draft. Duffner said he actually contacted Marshall several times a week, something he typically does with players he believes the Jaguars could draft at the position.
