USC running back MarShawn Lloyd may be the first ball-carrier selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Lloyd, who attended this year’s Senior Bowl, blends lateral agility with burst and strength. One NFL scout referred to the 220-pound Lloyd as a “finisher” in a conversation with The Draft Network.
Lloyd thrived in Lincoln Riley’s offense this past season. The Wilmington, Delaware native rushed for a career-high 820 yards and nine touchdowns. Lloyd averaged an explosive 7.1 yards per carry.
Lloyd lit the NFL Combine on fire too. The former Stanford transfer ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds. Lloyd also had a 36-inch vertical and posted 25 reps on the bench press. We've identified three ideal team fits for Lloyd.
DALLAS COWBOYS
How will the Cowboys handle the running back position after watching Tony Pollard depart for a better opportunity in free agency? Dallas surprisingly hasn't added a veteran in response. One of the worst-kept secrets of the 2024 draft is that the Cowboys will target a ball-carrier with the No. 58 overall selection.
I expect Lloyd, Jonathon Brooks, and Trey Benson to be the three prospects that garner consideration. The depth chart is currently made up of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Malik Davis. Whoever the Cowboys draft has an excellent opportunity to become an immediate every-down starter. Lloyd is also an outstanding receiver and pass protector and could play in every personnel package.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders are moving forward with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew at quarterback this season. New general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce are being patient while identifying the future direction of the franchise. They weren’t players for Kirk Cousins in free agency, and they don’t seem to be considering moving up from No. 13 into the top five to draft a top quarterback.
O'Connell and Minshew are bridge-type quarterbacks. Pierce is an old-school leader who believes in physical football. Plus, he doesn’t roster the quarterback required to field a pass-happy offense. Bellcow running back Josh Jacobs left in free agency, leaving Zamir White as the new starter. The Raiders should take a by-committee approach given White's inexperience and how run-heavy the offense is expected to be. Lloyd would complement White nicely.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is entering the 2024 NFL Draft with 11 total selections, seven of which are scheduled within the opening 104 picks. Starting running back James Conner is slated to enter the final season of a three-year, $21 million extension. The Cardinals may not pursue an extension with Conner, who would be nearing 30 when a new contract would set in. Michael Carter or Emari Demercado are not appropriate succession plans.
Ossenfort committed to Kyler Murray at quarterback. The 2024 draft should focus on surrounding Murray with a much-improved supporting cast. A running back should be a target with one of three picks from 66-90. Lloyd could support Conner in 2024 while eventually serving as his replacement in 2025.
