Overview
Position: Edge defender
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 235 pounds
School: Ole Miss Rebels
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.67 seconds
Bench press: 23 reps
Vertical jump: 32 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 3 inches (third among edge defenders)
Three-cone drill: 7.14 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.45 seconds
Marquis Haynes 2018 NFL Draft Profile
Marquis Haynes was the country’s top-rated defensive end recruit in 2014 after helping his team win a Florida 2A state title as a senior. He committed to Ole Miss over North Carolina and made an immediate impact as a freshman. Haynes earned first-team All-Freshman honors after recording 31 total tackles (nine for losses), 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. In 2015, Haynes became a full-time starter and had his best collegiate season. He posted 43 total tackles (16.5 for losses), 10 sacks, and forced three more fumbles; a feat he would continue in his junior and senior years.
As a junior, Haynes grew into an even bigger difference-maker as he took part in seven of the Rebels’ 16 turnovers, including an interception. Haynes had his best performance of the season against the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. He made two tackles for loss and forced a fumble on a strip-sack that was returned for a Rebel touchdown.
Haynes added 7.5 more sacks as a senior and became the Ole Miss all-time sack leader with 32. His 47.5 total tackles for losses is an Ole Miss school record as well. Haynes also forced 12 fumbles in his Ole Miss career which is the most by any SEC player since 2005. In the 2018 Senior Bowl, Haynes strip-sacked quarterback Tanner Lee, and the subsequent fumble was returned for a touchdown by fellow 2018 defensive end prospect Marcus Davenport.
Strengths
- Explosive first step off the edge;
- Wastes no steps when closing in on the passer;
- Forced 12 fumbles in college, many were strip-sacks;
- Surprisingly powerful tackler;
- Relentlessly pursues ball carrier and has good recovery speed;
- Has experience standing and dropping into coverage.
Weaknesses
- Routinely gets out-muscled by blockers in the run game;
- Doesn’t consistently set his edge;
- Lacks power in his bull-rush;
- Plays upright too often;
- Rarely counters successfully when he can’t turn the corner;
- Small build will likely prevent him from becoming a three-down defender.
NFL Comparison: Nate Orchard
Teams with need at position: Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints
Projection: Fourth to fifth round
Bottom Line
In every draft, there’s at least one undersized pass rusher that put up great numbers thanks to their speed and burst, and Haynes is a prime example. His career numbers are not only striking but consistent too. There’s little doubt about his ability to rush the passer, although there’s room for improvement here if he can improve his handwork. For interested teams, their biggest concern will be Haynes ability to defend the run. He was pushed around too often on downhill runs and he’ll likely be limited to a situational pass rusher role. With that being said, Haynes’ athleticism and proven production on the college level gives him great value and promise for a day three projection.
