There are many running backs in 2024 who dynasty fantasy football managers are taking a look at. In a class with such depth at the wide receiver position, the running backs are getting a bit overlooked. At this point, dynasty managers are just hoping that someone can separate themselves from the pack. One powerful running back to be on the lookout for will be USC’s MarShawn Lloyd.
MarShawn Lloyd (WR) USC – Dynasty Rookie Profile
Height: 5’9
Weight: 220 lbs
After a questionable start to his college football career, he saw improvement in his last college season while playing for the Trojans. He came into the college game as a four-star prospect, coming in with one of the highest pedigrees of any running back in 2024. Ultimately, Lloyd could very well be a multiple-down option in the NFL.
Lloyd started his career with the South Carolina Gamecocks. However, he had his most productive college season this past year for the USC Trojans after transferring. In 2023, he ran for nine touchdowns and 820 rushing yards. Additionally, he went for 232 receiving yards on just 13 receptions. He showed a place in the pass-dominant Trojans offense, and that’s why he was invited to both the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl and the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Let’s take a look at what Lloyd offers on the field for his future NFL career. More importantly, we’ll break down his outlook for dynasty league football purposes.
Strengths
Power
Lloyd is an archetypal first and second down back for the next level. He’s shown power in his rushing ability for the Trojans and then weighing 220 pounds at the NFL Combine. More importantly, he was a threat to get downfield each time he touched the ball at USC, showing an ability to run with power and reach the second or third levels of the defense. Even when he bounced a carry outside, he still was able to shift upfield and run through defenders.
Pedigree
Lloyd’s pedigree is self-explanatory with his former recruiting status and his experience in college. He played in the SEC to start his career and then played in the final year of a tough PAC-12 conference in 2023. Lloyd has seen the best of the best NFL-level players on defense. To still show strength and ability in the face of that defensive skill is impressive, and why he is considered a top 2024 running back.
Weaknesses
Top End Speed
While Lloyd does have some agility and ability to get downhill, he won’t offer much long speed and game-breaking touchdowns for whoever does draft him. Lloyd is a hard nose rusher first and foremost, using his size to get some of the dirty yards in between the tackles. He isn’t going to be a player who gets a few touches and produces. Moreover, Lloyd will need to work into a game and wear down defenses. At that point, he should be able to produce later in games, similar to Najee Harris.
NFL Fit and Draft Capitol
Lloyd’s skills as an early down back should see him drafted early on Day 3, with an outside shot that he’s taken late on Day 2. Lloyd would offer a good skillset to teams such as the Minnesota Vikings or ideally, the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams could potentially lose their starting running backs from 2023 in Alexander Mattison and Austin Ekeler.
In the end, Jim Harbaugh is going to use the rusher that the Chargers end up drafting. Lloyd may not even have to leave Los Angeles to find a starting NFL job. All things considered, he would be quite a good fit for a RB who can excel in the red zone.
Dynasty Outlook
If Lloyd were to find an ideal spot without much competition on the depth chart, he could very well become an RB2 for our dynasty football rosters long term. He will offer touchdown upside with his size, and that could lead to many good seasons if the offense around him shapes up. Additionally, he did show some receiving ability, but that isn’t what will make him valuable for us dynasty managers. However, a touchdown vulture who can catch two or three balls a game is worth a second-round rookie pick in 2024. Lloyd can be just that.
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