Two of Sunday’s biggest rookie performances didn’t come from blue chip recruits or Day 1 draft choices. Instead, they belonged to fourth-round picks from overlooked college programs.
Who is Marlon Mack, besides Frank Gore’s prospective replacement in Indianapolis?
The rookie tailback might be the Colts’ first draft steal in years.
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Hours after the Bears’ Tarik Cohen lit up the Falcons for 113 total yards, Colts tailback Marlon Mack took his turn in the spotlight, taking his first touch as a pro 21 yards to the Rams’ one-yard line. Though he’d be stonewalled in his next two attempts to reach the end zone, the explosive playmaker made sure the Los Angeles defense wouldn’t lose track of him again.
He finally found the end zone three quarters later, plunging in from three yards out to score his team’s first touchdown of the season. He’d add a breakaway 24-yard run as well.
Mack came to Indianapolis with the 143rd overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft, making him the 15th tailback selected. He was prolific in three seasons at South Florida, rushing for more than 1,000 yards each year and scoring 32 touchdowns — including 15 as a junior in 2016.
Unfortunately, he fumbled on the Colts’ next drive, which Jacoby Brissett recovered for a safety in the end zone.
Where does Marlon Mack fit in the Colts’ lineup? Frank Gore’s presence in Indianapolis gives the team a steady veteran presence in the backfield, but Mack is being groomed to be his heir. Gore was the team’s go-to on Sunday, earning seven carries to Mack’s two in the first quarter. Where Mack can add value is as an extra receiver out of the backfield — something the Colts have utilized often the past two seasons.
Gore has 72 receptions for 544 yards over that span, but Mack’s availability could put the rookie on the field for more third down situations. He had 28 receptions in 12 games for the Bulls last fall.
Also, he was drafted by an orangutan, which immediately gives him more promise than anyone drafted by Ryan Grigson.
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