Jason Marshall Jr. hails from Miami, Florida, where he starred at Miami Palmetto Senior High School. A highly touted five-star recruit, Marshall earned MaxPreps All-American honors and led his team to the 8A state playoff semifinals as a dynamic two-way player. His athletic prowess extended beyond the gridiron, as he also excelled in basketball and track and field. At the University of Florida, Marshall quickly made his mark in the Gators' secondary. He appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2021, starting seven contests and recording 23 tackles and an interception. His sophomore campaign saw him start all 13 games, racking up 29 tackles, eight pass breakups, and another pick. Marshall's junior year in 2023 solidified his status as a shutdown corner, as he started all 12 games and led the team with 10 pass breakups for the second straight season. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 200 pounds, Marshall possesses the ideal frame for an NFL cornerback. His combination of size, instincts, and ball skills has made him one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Scouting Report: Strengths Prototypical size and length for an NFL boundary cornerback, allowing him to match up with bigger receivers on the outside Excels in press-man coverage, using his long arms and strong hands to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage Displays excellent patience and technique when mirroring releases, rarely opening his hips too early or biting on double moves Possesses the fluidity and change-of-direction skills to stick with receivers throughout their routes in man coverage Shows impressive ball skills and awareness in zone coverage, consistently getting his head around to locate the football Demonstrates good route recognition and closing speed, allowing him to jump short and intermediate routes effectively Proven ability to match up against top-tier SEC receivers, showcasing his competitiveness and confidence in high-pressure situations Versatile defender with experience in various coverage schemes, making him a fit for multiple NFL defensive systems Scouting Report: Weaknesses Occasionally relies too heavily on his physical tools, leading to grabby play and potential penalties when beaten vertically Can be inconsistent in run support, sometimes taking poor angles or failing to disengage from blocks effectively Needs to improve his tackling technique and consistency, as he can be prone to arm tackles or whiffs in the open field May struggle initially against NFL-caliber route runners who can exploit his occasional stiffness in transition Scouting Report: Summary Jason Marshall Jr. projects as a solid starting cornerback in the NFL, with the potential to develop into a true lockdown defender. His combination of size, press-man skills, and ball-hawking ability make him an attractive prospect for teams employing aggressive, man-heavy schemes. While he may need some refinement in his technique and run support, Marshall's physical tools and experience against top competition should allow him to contribute early in his career. In the pros, Marshall will likely start his career as an outside cornerback in a defense that emphasizes press-man coverage. His ability to jam receivers at the line and disrupt timing will be valuable assets, particularly in the red zone. As he develops, Marshall could become a cornerstone of a secondary, capable of matching up with an opponent's top receiver. His versatility also allows for deployment in zone schemes, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in game planning. While he may not be a day-one draft selection, Marshall's upside and collegiate production should see him come off the board in the early to middle rounds. Written By: Wyatt Brooks (SEC) https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jason-MarshallJr-CB-Florida
